PM calls for drastic actions to cope with COVID-19 Omicron XBB variant
VOV.VN - With ongoing unpredictable developments relating to XBB, a sub-variant of the Omicron virus, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has called for drastic preventive measures aimed at dealing with the pandemic during the Lunar New Year, known locally as Tet, and the festive season.
In the latest urgent telegram detailing COVID-19 prevention efforts, the PM has asked residents to actively respond to the pandemic by wearing face masks in public places, frequently washing hands, and enhancing surveillance at points of entry to the country.
According to details in the official dispatch, despite the COVID-19 pandemic largely being brought under control locally, the pandemic continues to remain complicated due to the continuous evolution of sub-variants of the Omicron virus, particularly its ability to evade prior immunity and spread at a faster rate.
This comes as, the sub-variant XBB.1.5 has led to fresh COVID-19 outbreaks to occur in several countries around the world.
PM Chinh has therefore asked relevant ministries and localities to continue strictly monitoring pandemic developments and issue prompt responses in a timely manner with effective solutions as a means of coping with COVID-19 and other infectious diseases during the winter-spring season.
Furthermore, localities nationwide have been advised to swiftly detect and timely handle outbreaks in order to prevent the spread of the pandemic and limit severe cases, as well as further strengthening COVID-19 vaccination efforts to ensure the population get the recommended number of booster doses.
Localities have been requested to tighten control at border gates to closely monitor people entering from pandemic-affected countries whilst simultaneously enhancing surveillance in the community and medical facilities to early detect variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as they emerge.
Moreover, health facilities have been asked to make thorough preparations in terms of drugs and medical equipment to cope with any potential scenarios which may emerge.
