Deputy PM chairs teleconference on COVID-19 fight in new situation

The health sector is stepping up the application of technology in telehealth checks-up and treatment (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi – Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, who is Head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, chaired its national teleconference on October 3 to review the fight against the pandemic in the new situation.

Speaking at the event, Dam and said the World Health Organisation (WHO) forecast that the pandemic could last until the end of 2021 due to the unavailability of vaccines.

With the Party’s sound leadership, the PM and Government’s determination, and the close collaboration between the steering committee and ministries, agencies and localities, Vietnam effectively and promptly localised affected areas, helping to achieve the dual goal of fighting the pandemic and ensuring economic growth.

The country also stepped up cooperation with foreign experts and organisations to study the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, share treatment therapies and offer mutual support, he said.

After four COVID-19 transmission risks were defined in Vietnam, the map of safe living with COVID-19 www.antoancovid.vn was launched on October 1, which will be firstly used at schools and medical establishments to update information about the disease.

Later, the map will be widely used in lodging facilities, offices, factories, supermarkets and public transport vehicles.

The Ministry of Health is working closely with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Information and Communications to complete the tool.

The Deputy PM asked the Ministry of Health to work on the national electronic health records to monitor the health of the elderly, patients with outlying diseases and those at high risk of COVID-19 infection, as well as step up remote health check-ups and treatment.

Acting Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said Vietnam experienced two waves of COVID-19 outbreaks in March and July with 1,096 infections and 35 deaths. The country has so far gone through 30 consecutive days without local transmissions and 1,020 patients have been given the all-clear from the virus.

As the upcoming winter-spring climate is conducive to the spread of the virus, he urged localities and people to stay vigilant, especially closely controlling illegal entry at border gates.

Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen Tran Don directed units and localities to ensure security and order, keep track of entries to Vietnam to minimise transmission risks in the community.