(VOVWORLD) - Vietnam is entering the peak of a second wave of COVID-19 as the number of infections and deaths increases nationwide. The country has taken drastic measures and mobilized resources to contain the virus, particularly in the epidemic hotspots of Da Nang and Quang Nam province in the central region.
COVID-19 is particularly dangerous to patients with underlying diseases. Since infections were detected in three hospitals in Da Nang in late July, the government has been working hard to contain the spread of the deadly coronavirus.
Resources mobilized for Da Nang
The Ministry of Health has sent doctors from Bach Mai hospital in Hanoi and Cho Ray hospital in HCM city to Da Nang to help deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. These doctors have experience treating severe COVID-19 cases, including a British pilot known as Patient 91.
When three deaths were reported on August 13, the Ministry of Health moved experts in intensive care, infection, and cardio medicine to the central region. The Hanoi Medical University Hospital has consulted online with doctors in the hotspots on treating COVID-19 patients.
Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son vowed not to let the epidemic spread in vulnerable communities such as hospitals and to work out a prompt treatment plan for each patient.
"We have adjusted our treatment plan six times. To treat each COVID-19 patient, we hold face-to-face and online consultations with doctors and other COVID-19 experts. We have mobilized all necessary resources to treat severe cases." said Son.
Determined to prevent disease, minimize deaths
In the second wave of the pandemic, Vietnam is more prepared to cope with coronavirus. The Prime Minister has asked the health care sector to develop a standard procedure to deal with suspected cases to prevent the disease from spreading. He says formulas should be applied such as “quick detection, quick testing, and quick quarantine.”
The Prime Minister has also asked agencies to accelerate research to find a vaccine, create e-profiles of patients, and develop effective treatment plans, especially for the most seriously ill patients, to minimize fatalities.
"Those with a cough, fever, or pneumonia need to be treated immediately. We need to continue social distancing for high-risk people, the elderly, and people with heart disease or other underlying diseases, to prevent transmission," said the Prime Minister.
By Monday morning, Vietnam’s COVID-19 count was 964, including 484 active cases. Twenty four people have died.