Vietnam Covid-19 Updates (March 8): More Than 147,300 New Infections

Photo: Suc Khoe & Doi Song

More than 147,300 new Covid-19 infections, nearly 37,000 recoveries confirmed

Vietnam confirmed the detection of a further 147,358 fresh Covid-19 cases on March 7 in 63 cities and provinces nationwide, with Hanoi continuing to document the highest number of infections with 32,317. Localities recording thousands of Covid-19 cases with the highest level behind Hanoi, including Nghe An with 10,153, Bac Ninh with 7,873, and Phu Tho with 4,326.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) has also suggested that asymptomatic Covid-19 patients (F0) and close contacts (F1) can work during their quarantine period, VOV cited.

According to the proposal which has been submitted to the National Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control for consideration, asymptomatic Covid-19 patients who are undergoing quarantine for seven days and have RT-RCR test results which are positive can work remotely. In addition, they could be permitted to take care of Covid-19 patients in their families, accommodation establishments, or Covid-19 treatment facilities in line with their assigned tasks and their professional skills.

The MoH also suggested that F1 cases who have not been fully vaccinated or have not been inoculated against Covid-19 could be permitted to participate in urgent affairs of their units and localities through remote or in-person working.

Photo: Suc Khoe & Doi Song

KOICA donates 9.45 million syringes to Vietnam for Covid-19 prevention and control

The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has recently handed over 9.45 million single-use syringes and 200,000 safety boxes to the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology. It was a part of 42.5 million syringes that will be donated by the Republic of Korea Government through KOICA to the Ministry of Health (MoH) of Vietnam for its Covid-19 vaccination program.

Accordingly, the MoH will distribute single-use syringes and safety boxes to several provinces and cities for use in the Spring Covid-19 vaccination campaign launched by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. According to a memorandum of understanding between MOH and KOICA, KOICA will provide syringes and safety boxes to support Vietnam’s national Expanded Programme on Immunization and in response to the Covid-19 pandemic.

In total, 42.5 million syringes and 400,000 safety boxes will be fully delivered to Vietnam in the second quarter of 2022. Previously, in January 2022, KOICA also donated 6.3 million single-use syringes to the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, according to Nhan Dan.

Photo: Suc Khoe & Doi Song

No Covid-19 testing requirement for Vietnamese returning from Ukraine

The Ministry of Health has instructed that Vietnamese people repatriating from Ukraine do not need to test for SARS-CoV-2 and have the confirmation of having been vaccinated against or having recovered from COVID-19 before boarding planes to Hanoi.

According to the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), the ministry gave the instruction following the President’s conclusion at a meeting on March 5 regarding such repatriation given the current warfare in Ukraine. The ministry considers bringing the citizens home a humanitarian, urgent, and priority work.

Per the instruction, throughout their journey, they have to seriously comply with the health body’s 5K message. Those on entry, except for children under two years old, are tested by health authorities or self-tested for the coronavirus within the first 24 hours after entering Vietnam at their places of stay.

If the test results are negative, they will continue to monitor their health within 10 days from the date of arrival. If the result is positive, they must inform local health authorities immediately for further instruction.

Photo: Suc Khoe & Doi Song

Efforts to organize SEA Games 31 safely and carefully

There are two months left until the 31st Southeast Asian Games (SEA Games 31) taking place in Vietnam. Up to now, the items in service of the SEA Games 31 have been repaired, upgraded, and completed, according to the committed schedule of the contractors. However, many obstacles and difficulties may affect the goal, and all preparations in terms of the technical infrastructure for SEA Games 31, will be completed and put into trial operations. One of the main reasons is the complicated situation of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Facing the above difficulties, the Games’ organizing board has been urgently carrying out bidding packages of upgrading, repairing, and purchasing equipment for information and technology items. With limited expenditures and funding, the relevant agencies should promote their initiative, creativity, flexibility, and saving, in developing plans in terms of security, transportation, logistics, reception, communications, and medical works, in accordance with the epidemic situation in each locality.

In addition, the selection of volunteers serving the Games should be conducted carefully. Accordingly, it is essential to mobilize support from cadres and employees in relevant agencies and sectors, including local retirees. Emergency and testing services, including isolation and treatment facilities, need to be arranged scientifically and safely.

According to the latest regulations of the organizing board, only infections will be isolated and treated, sports delegations and international reporters won’t need to quarantine. The online medical services will be carried out during the Games. The relevant agencies should proactively grasp and update the development of the pandemic in the countries with participating delegations. With a very large number of members attending SEA Games 31, the host will arrange for them to stay in hotels, in a closed-form.

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