Nghe An province prepares response plan for Omicron variant.

On January 10th, Mr. Duong Dinh Chinh, Director of the Department of Health and Deputy Commander of the Covid-19 Prevention and Control Command Center of Nghe An province, announced that the center had issued a document to districts, cities, towns, and public and private hospitals regarding strengthening measures to prevent and control the Covid-19 epidemic in the face of the Omicron variant.

Accordingly, the Provincial Covid-19 Prevention and Control Command Center requested the Covid-19 Prevention and Control Command Centers of districts, towns, and Vinh City to strictly implement the directives of the Prime Minister, the Ministry of Health, the Provincial Covid-19 Prevention and Control Steering Committee, and the Department of Health regarding the prevention and control of the Omicron variant; proactively develop scenarios and plans to be ready to respond to Covid-19 outbreaks in the area; and continue to promote the role of community Covid-19 teams, especially in managing population movements and health declarations during the Lunar New Year of the Tiger 2022.

Accelerating the vaccination program is one of the top priorities right now. Photo: Tien Hung

Local authorities need to strengthen monitoring and management of cases entering the country from abroad (especially citizens returning from main and secondary border gates adjacent to Laos), paying attention to checking the accommodation conditions of these individuals in the locality to ensure they do not come into contact with others upon entry as per regulations; strengthen community surveillance to detect suspected cases early, isolate and handle outbreaks promptly and thoroughly to prevent further spread to the community.

Upon detecting a case of Covid-19, especially the Omicron variant, conduct extensive epidemiological investigations, notify relevant localities to coordinate rapid contact tracing, compile a list of all close contacts and those related to the patients, implement timely medical isolation, and collect samples for testing from F1 cases; provide results as quickly as possible to implement timely, appropriate, and effective epidemic prevention and control measures.

Local authorities are urged to accelerate the vaccination of individuals aged 12 and older against Covid-19; review and administer catch-up vaccinations to all high-risk individuals, those aged 50 and over, and those with underlying health conditions, ensuring safety and effectiveness; administer supplementary and booster doses to those who have completed the required vaccination period according to the Ministry of Health's guidelines; and continue to promote the application of the electronic health record platform to manage and monitor vaccination progress.

Furthermore, it is necessary to strengthen COVID-19 prevention and control measures in industrial zones and schools. Increased inspections of COVID-19 prevention and control work should be carried out at agencies, units, organizations, and businesses, especially at hospitals, production facilities, markets, supermarkets, train stations, airports, and bus stations. Regular updates on the COVID-19 Safe Living Map (https://antoancovid.vn) are required. For agencies, units, organizations, and businesses that do not ensure COVID-19 prevention and control, a firm decision should be made to temporarily suspend operations.

Immediately direct and implement the management and protection of individuals at risk of contracting Covid-19 in the area, following the guidelines in Circular No. 10815/BYT-DP dated December 21, 2021, from the Ministry of Health, and report the implementation results as required.

Strengthen communication efforts to raise public awareness of the Omicron variant, avoid unnecessary gatherings, strictly adhere to the 5K recommendations, participate in full vaccination programs, and especially ensure that those entering the country and their families strictly comply with health declaration requirements, limit contact with others, stay at their place of residence, and undergo SARS-CoV-2 testing upon entry as per regulations.

For medical facilities, it is necessary to implement patient triage, health declarations, and temperature checks; healthcare workers and departments with high risk need to be vigilant. Strictly implement screening and patient classification procedures to prevent the risk of infection in medical facilities; ensure sufficient oxygen, emergency beds, and other necessary conditions as soon as possible.