Vietnam basically bringing COVID-19 under control

Vietnam has exerted sound control over the latest outbreak of COVID-19 in the country, particularly at the Hanoi-based National Hospital for Tropical Diseases and the Vietnam National Cancer Hospital (Hospital K), Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen affirmed at a May 12 online working session with the two medical facilities, which have been hotspots during this outbreak.

A worker disinfects the Tan Trieu branch of the National Cancer Hospital in Hanoi.
A worker disinfects the Tan Trieu branch of the National Cancer Hospital in Hanoi.

Tuyen said that new community infections linked to the two hospitals have been recorded, adding that they have made all-out efforts to stamp out the pandemic.

He requested them ensure their facilities and equipment are ready to receive COVID-19 patients.

The deputy minister also asked the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases to review its regulations, instructions, and procedures in patient treatment areas to avoid cross-transmission and the spread of the disease to the community.

He said it is necessary to review screening activities, adding that hospital staff working in risky areas like patient reception desks, examination departments, and emergency sections should receive periodic Covid-19 testing at least once a week.

More than 80 percent of COVID-19 patients in this latest outbreak do not need ventilators, he said.

The COVID-19 tally in Vietnam stood at 3,593 as of 12:00 on May 12. Cases have now been found in 26 cities and provinces nationwide.