Stronger measures needed amid Omicron: Deputy PM

Illustrative photo (Source: VNA)

Hanoi - Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on December 22 asked COVID-19 prevention and control groups and other relevant forces to double efforts in vaccinations, support patients and ensure that those under home quarantine and treatment enjoy the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Speaking at a national conference held virtually, Dam, who is also deputy head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, noted the rapid spread of Omicron that has been found in 89 countries and territories so far, including Southeast Asian nations.

Dam reiterated a notice issued by the Prime Minister on December 19 ordering stronger actions given the resurgence of the new variant.

The Ministry of Health needs to keep a close watch on the situation to give timely guidelines and instructions, Dam cited the notice, saying large-scale health system overload should not happen.

The Deputy PM urged speeding up the vaccine rollout, which, he said, must cover all people in the targeted age groups, especially those above 50 years old and people with underlying diseases.

He emphasised that the Health Ministry and People’s Committees of cities and provinces must ensure that people testing positive for the virus gain access to medical services and undergo health monitoring.

As of December 22 morning, Vietnam reported 1,571,780 infections, ranking 32 out of 223 countries and territories in terms of the caseload. Of the total, 1,571,780 were detected during the fourth wave of infections that began late April.

The country’s death toll reached 30,041 or 1,9 percent of the caseload.

Localities are working hard to complete administering the second dose of COVID-19 vaccines for residents above 18 years old by the end of this month, and for those aged from 12 to 18 within next month.