Flexible COVID-19 quarantine and adapt to new situations
On May 19, the Department of Medical Examination and Treatment Management (Ministry of Health) sent a dispatch to hospitals, Departments of Health of provinces, cities and health units under the Ministry, branches, requiring strengthening the detection, receipt and treatment of CIVI-19 patients. Medical facilities should urgently update and review the response plans according to forecast scenarios, fully prepare facilities, isolation areas, equipment and medical supplies. At the same time, the prevention measures must be tightened, especially protecting the vulnerable group such as pregnant women, the elderly and serious patients. The environmental sanitation and the room arrangement also need to be focused to ensure clean, ventilated treatment space, improve the efficiency of care and epidemic prevention.
People may be concerned about COVID-19 quarantine, but this is only a necessary measure to prevent the spread in hospitals, not a wide-scale quarantine outside the community.
From October 19, 2023, the Ministry of Health officially adjusted COVID-19 from group A infectious diseases to group B according to the Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases 2007. This confirms that COVID-19 is no longer a particularly dangerous infectious disease with a rapid spread rate and a high mortality rate as before, so preventive measures are taken according to regulations for group B, in line with the current risk level.
According to the guidance of the Ministry of Health, each citizen needs to voluntarily take measures to prevent disease, of which 2K (masks and disinfection) are still the most effective "weapon". People with CODV-19 treatments need to be isolated at home for at least 5 days from the time of symptoms or positive results, wearing full masks until the 10th day, limiting contact and hand hygiene, disinfection of accommodation regularly, keeping the environment clear. The caregivers also need to wear a mask and limit contact. For those who suspect the disease, need to monitor health, wear a mask when exposed and out, have regular hand and surface hygiene, timely testing if there are severe signs of severe or high risk and notify the nearest medical agency.
COVID-19 is still circulating
Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Dac Phu, senior expert of the Ministry of Health, affirmed that COVID-19 is still circulating in the community with cyclical or seasonal up and down developments, but the severity has decreased significantly compared to the early stages of the epidemic. High-risk groups need to be cautious and closely monitor their health for timely treatment. People should not panic with the increase in cases in neighboring countries.
Associate Professor, Dr. Tran Dac Phu has repeatedly shared his views on quarantine in COVID-19 prevention and control. He emphasized that quarantine is an important measure to prevent the spread of the epidemic, but it needs to be done reasonably and flexibly. He also noted that the quarantine should not be prolonged too much as necessary, to avoid affecting people's lives and work.
