The Covid-19 pandemic is still complicated in some localities with the number of F0 cases on increase amid information about the emergence of the new Omicron variant. The World Health Organization has classified Omicron as a "worrisome" variant because this is the most mutated variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus which can spread about 500% faster than the Delta variant, making a new awakening about Covid-19 pandemic.
Facing the threat from the new variant Omicron, some countries around the world have restricted entry while vigorously applying measures on wearing face masks and injecting booster COVID-19 vaccine shots... Vietnam has not detected any cases of Omicron, but the Government has directed the health sector to actively follow the evolution of the variant; urgently prepare plans on vaccines, drugs and appropriate measures against the pandemic. The Ministry of Health has proposed the Government to consider the suspension of international flights to and from the following countries: South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zimbabwe, Eswatini, Lesotho, Mozambique as well as the suspension of the issuance of entry permits for passengers to/from the above countries…Besides, the Ministry of Health has also asked for localities to proactively set up scenarios against the pandemic in the new context.
In order to proactively cope with the Omicron variant, according to experts, it is important for localities to strengthen monitoring and testing to quickly detect the appearance of this new variant; make coverage of full 2 doses of Covid-19 vaccine on people and conduct booster vaccination…In particular, propaganda of Covid-19 prevention and control needs to be promoted. In fact, after localities have established the "new normal" state, many people have been subjective and negligent because of being vaccinated, causing the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic in some areas. Therefore, propaganda work needs to be strengthened, raising people's awareness of the danger of the new strain Omicron, thereby strictly complying with pandemic prevention and control measures, especially the "5K" message of the Ministry of Health.
Moreover, being alert to the new strain Omicron does not mean panic and anxiety, but we need to prepare a proactive spirit, getting ready to cope with it. This is also the basis for localities to further implement a policy of safe, flexible adaptation and effective control of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Reported by Dam Thanh-Translated by Kim Tin
