Health Ministry warns of risks of COVID-19 outbreaks

Illustrative image (Photo: vneconomy.vn)

Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Health ()
has warned of the of COVID-19 outbreaks due to the emergence of new
variants of SARS-CoV-2.

According to the ministry, the COVID-19 pandemic has been still under control
when the daily number of new cases stands at double digits. For two consecutive
weeks, Vietnam has not recorded COVID-19 related fatality. Among the severe patients
being treated, there is no case requiring mechanical ventilation.

Regarding the XBB.1.5 sub-variant of Omicron recently discovered
in the US, the ministry said documents from the World Health Organisation (WHO)
showed that the XBB.1.5 sub-variant was the cause behind the increase of infections
in the US. This sub-variant has been detected in Europe, Australia and
parts of Southeast Asia.

Angela Pratt, Chief Representative of WHO in Vietnam, said current diagnostic
and protective measures remain in place, including WHO-approved COVID-19
vaccines, she said.

The MoH requested localities to enhance surveillance at border gates, public areas and medical
establishments to swiftly detect and timely handle suspected cases,
especially those entering from areas which record s and appearance
of new variants.

Localities and
medical facilities have also been required to coordinate with hygiene and epidemiology
institutes, and hospitals that have the ability to identify new variants to take
samples for testing and research, thus assessing risks.

Specialised units have been asked to regularly assess and analyse the
situation and risk factors, thus proactively developing scenarios and response
plans to all possible situations.

Vice Director of the MoH’s Preventive
Medicine Department Nguyen Luong Tam on January 15 inspected the
COVID-19 pandemic at Lao Cai international border gate in the northern mountainous
province of Lao Cai.

The provincial Department of Health was demanded to strictly
implement directives of the MoH, and soon give advices to the provincial People’s
Committee on approving the plan for COVID-19 prevention and control in 2023,
and enhancing communication activities at border gates to raise awareness of
pandemic prevention among people and tourists./.