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Proactively coping with SARS-CoV-2 Omicron variant

Update: 03-12-2021 | 18:44:09

Currently, the emergence of the new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, especially Omicron variant is raising concerns about the pandemic. In order to actively cope with the new variant, Binh Duong has strengthened control over the pandemic, promoted propaganda among people to strictly implement to the "5K" message of the Ministry of Health and get vaccinated against Covid-19.

No cases with Omicron variant reported

Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan, Deputy Minister of Health said that so far, Vietnam has not recorded any cases of the Omicron variant. The Omicron variant was first discovered in Botswana on Nov. 24, with up to 32 mutations in the spike protein. This is the most mutated variant of the novel coronavirus, which is predicted to spread faster than other strains. The Omicron variant can spread about 500% faster than the Delta variant and is detectable by PCR testing.

The health sector checks isolation for foreigners at Saigon Park Resort in Thuan An city

To proactively cope with and control the Covid-19 pandemic in the country while preventing the risk of entry and spread of the Omicron variant into our country. The Ministry of Health has proposed the Government to consider the suspension of international flights to and from the following countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique as well as the suspension of the issuance of entry permits for passengers to/from the above countries.

“Facing the threat of the new variant Omicron, the Ministry of Health has directed its surveillance system to strengthen surveillance of the Covid-19 pandemic in order to early detect abnormal signs of the outbreaks. The Ministry of Health has also asked for sanitary and epidemiological institutes to carry out gene sequencing of suspected infections with the new variant, especially those with epidemiological history from countries in South Africa. In particular, the Ministry of Health has issued a document directing localities to proactively set up detailed and feasible scenarios against Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring safe and flexible adaptation, effective control of the pandemic; closely follow  the point of view of approaching the whole people, taking people and enterprises as the center in pandemic prevention and control”, Prof. Dr. Tran Van Thuan said.

Prof. Dr.Duong Quy Sy, Principal of Lam Dong Medical College, Medical Advisor of Pham Ngoc Thach Medical University said that the world only knows a few of information about the Omicron variant that is mainly recorded in South African countries and there is no data on the epidemiology, the ability of spread as well as the virulence of the variant. The Covid-19 virus always mutates, so complying with the "5K" message of the Ministry of Health (facemask, disinfection, distance, no gathering and health declaration) is an important step in limiting the risk of the pandemic spread.  In addition, we need to comply with getting full two shots of Covid-19 vaccine. Above all, people need to raise their vigilance and limit unnecessary gatherings amid the complicated developments of the pandemic.

Proactively coping with pandemic

Regarding the implementation of the Ministry of Health’s document on coping with the Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, Vo Van Minh, Vice-Secretary of provincial Party Committee, Chairman of provincial People's Committee emphasized that the appearance of the new SARS-CoV-2 strain in the world requires the province to proactively prepare scenarios and plans to avoid being passive and embarrassed. Provincial People's Committee has assigned provincial Department of Health to closely monitor the evolution of the new strain to promptly warn and take measures against it. Provincial Department of Health will coordinate with other sectors to set up a plan against the variant when it occurs.

The police force has strengthened the management of people entering the province. All-level authorities and sectors should further step up supervision, promptly detect and handle false information. The health sector needs to strengthen its grassroots health system from district, town and city to commune, ward and township levels in the following aspects: forces, policies, scenarios, and communication in order to raise people's knowledge and awareness of Covid-19 prevention and control; promote inspection, supervision and guidance at grassroots level in the application of information technology in Covid-19 prevention and control.

Localities are proactive to set up scenarios against Covid-19 pandemic with the Omicron variant; strengthen surveillance, early detect suspected cases of Covid-19 in the community, cases of cough and fever to promptly isolate and absolutely handle outbreaks to prevent the spread of the pandemic. Localities also need to well implement medical activities to avoid cross-infections in isolation and blockade areas. Currently, foreign experts returning to Binh Duong to work are still isolated in accordance with regulations on Covid-19 prevention and control. At this time, the health sector needs to continue being vigiland to the new Covid-19 variant Omicron and closely monitor the developments of the pandemic.

“Initially, provincial Department of Health will coordinate with districts, towns and cities to urgently implement joint regulations on management and organization of healthcare for F0 cases at home and at Covid-19 treatment facilities; review the receipt and arrangement of forces for mobile medical stations; strengthen grassroots medical forces, promote the effectiveness of medical workers who are responsible for taking care of F0 cases at home. Sectors and localities will recheck the list of people, ensuring adequate vaccination against Covid-19 among them; continue strengthening inspection and supervision of the supply of drugs for F0 cases receiving care and treatment at home.

The Ministry of Health has issued a document directing localities to proactively develop detailed and feasible scenarios against Covid-19 pandemic, ensuring safe and flexible adaptation to, effective control of the pandemic; closely follow  the point of view of approaching the whole people, taking people and enterprises as the center in pandemic prevention and control…

Reported by Hoang Linh-Translated by Kim Tin

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