Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked for tightened preventive measures to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic during the Tet Lunar New Year amid the unpredictable developments of the new sub-variant Omicron XBB.
PM asks for tightened Omicron XBB Covid-19 variant prevention measures
In a new telegram addressing the pandemic, the PM asked relevant ministries and localities to continue strictly monitoring the pandemic developments and issue prompt responses to cope with it and other infectious diseases during the winter-spring season, especially during the Tet Lunar New Year Holiday.
The government leader also asked people to follow preventive measures including wearing face masks in public places, frequently washing hands, and enhancing surveillance at points of entry to the country.
According to details in the telegram, although the pandemic has been largely brought under control in the country, it continues to remain complicated due to the continuous evolution of sub-variants of the Omicron virus, particularly its ability to evade prior immunity and spread at a faster rate.
The sub-variant XBB.1.5 which has led to new outbreaks in some countries, has been detected in HCM City
Localities nationwide have been asked to rapidly detect and handle possible outbreaks in order to prevent the spread of the pandemic and limit severe cases, as well as further strengthen Covid-19 vaccination efforts to ensure the population gets the recommended number of booster doses.
Localities have been requested to tighten control at border gates to closely monitor people entering from pandemic-affected countries whilst simultaneously enhancing surveillance in the community and medical facilities to early detect variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus as they emerge.
Moreover, health facilities have been asked to make thorough preparations in terms of drugs and medical equipment to cope with any potential scenarios which may emerge.