Vietnam well prepared for worst-case scenario amid coronavirus threat

VOV.VN - The Ministry of Health and relevant agencies are developing scenarios in which a new outbreak of the novel coronavirus is likely to occur in the coming weeks, says Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long.

“The situation is very worrying both regionally and globally,” Dr Long told VOV.VN, citing the consequences of ongoing outbreaks in India, as well as in Cambodia and Laos that border Vietnam.

India recorded more than 340,000 new infections during the past 24 hours, while Cambodia confirmed over 600 cases at the same time.

“We must remain highly vigilant and well prepared for the worst-case scenario,” said Long.

According to the minister, an increasing number of people seeking to cross the border into Vietnam is posing an imminent threat of a new coronavirus outbreak in Vietnam.

The southwestern region is currently a hotspot for a possible coronavirus outbreak in the community, said minister Long.

Over the past few days relevant agencies have detained dozens of Vietnamese nationals attempting to cross the southwestern border into Vietnam illegally, with some of them carrying the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The latest case was a 23-year-old man who crossed the border from Cambodia into An Giang together with two friends on April 20. He was then diagnosed with the virus while the other two tested negative.

“The most important thing is to prevent acts of illegal entry,” said Dr Long, pointing to the fact that it is a challenging task as Vietnam has long coastal and land borders with neighbouring countries.  

He therefore called on local people to persuade their relatives residing in neighbouring countries to return to the homeland legally in an effort to nip in a bud a possible new outbreak of the virus in the community.

“The Ministry of Health and relevant agencies are working on scenarios, including the worst-case scenario,” he unveiled.  

The minister also warned about a significant threat of another coronavirus outbreak in the community as many people pay no heed to COVID-19 rules.

“The fact is that Vietnam has controlled the epidemic in the community, and there is a complacent attitude in the public,” said Long.

Given the current context, the minister advised people to strictly abide by the Ministry of Health’s COVID-19 recommendations, including donning face masks and avoiding large gatherings in public places.

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