Vietnam adopts V2K message to prevent spread of COVID-19
VOV.VN - With increasing numbers of COVID-19 cases coupled with the emergence of sub-variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the Ministry of Health has recently launched the V2K message (face masks, and disinfection) plus vaccinations, as part of wider COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.
The ministry encouraged people to don face masks when going out to public and crowded places. Mandatory face masks are also required for people with respiratory symptoms or those suspected of having COVID-19.
People were advised to conduct thorough disinfectant measures by regularly washing their hands with soap or sanitizer, as well as deploying routine cleaning efforts in the workplace in line with the guidance issued by health authorities.
In addition, residents were recommended to receive sufficient inoculations of COVID-19 vaccines on schedule in order to effectively prevent the potential spread of the epidemic.
The Ministry of Health emphasised the necessity of continuing to follow its guidelines for COVID-19 diagnosis, treatment, and medical examination, even in the event that people show any symptoms of COVID-19.
In August 2020 Vietnam adopted a COVID-19 protocol featuring 5K in Vietnamese, namely Khau trang (facemask)- (Khu khuan) disinfection- (Khoang cach) distance- (Khong tu tap) no gathering – (Khai bao y te) health declaration, when it was coping with the second outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
With the outbreak brought under control earlier this year, experts said the 5K protocol was no longer appropriate and it should be revised.
According to the Ministry of Health, the COVID-19 pandemic has yet to be completely contained and considered an endemic disease in Vietnam. A new wave of COVID-19 is likely to break out at any time following the emergence of new variants and sub-variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Vietnam recently recorded the presence of new sub-variants of the Omicron variant, such as BA.4, BA.5, BA.2.12.1 and BA.2.74.
The number of coronavirus infections has shown signs of increasing across the country over the past weeks, with 3,878 cases recorded on September 7 alone, the highest in the past four months. Hundreds of cases are relying on mechanical ventilation in medical facilities to sustain life.
Vietnam has so far documented as many as 11,428,632 million COVID-19 cases, ranking 12th out of 227 countries and territories worldwide.
Of the total, 10,252,898 million patients have recovered and 43,125 people have died of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and underlying illnesses.
More than 137,000 shots of COVID-19 vaccines were given nationwide, bringing the total number of vaccine doses administered to nearly 257.7 million.
