Healthcare sector asked to be well prepared for Omicron infections
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested the healthcare sector to closely monitor the Omicron outbreak globally and develop response scenarios if the new variant of coronavirus is reported in Vietnam.
In an urgent telegram dated December 19, the PM pointed out that although Vietnam has yet to detect any Omicron cases, the risk is rather high as first cases have been reported in neighbouring countries.
Meanwhile, the numbers of new infections, critically ill patients and deaths caused by COVID-19 in Vietnam are increasing and are expected to keep rising. The health system in some localities has already been overloaded, requiring support from the central government and other localities.
In the face of Omicron threats, the PM requested the Ministry of Health to assess the pandemic level and come up with appropriate prevention and control measures.
It’s imperative to strengthen epidemiological surveillance to detect new strains early and avoid overloading the health system on a large scale, said the PM.
In case the Ministry of Health is yet to issue new guidelines on pandemic levels, the Government leader allowed localities to consult with the Ministry of Health and raise their COVID-19 alert levels based on the actual situation.
He also asked localities to speed up vaccinations, including the booster jab, especially for people of high risk groups such as the elderly and those with underlying illnesses.
In addition, the Prime Minister directed the Ministry of Health to provide localities with an adequate supply of antiretroviral drugs to ensure all F0 cases access medications as well as other necessary services.
