Vietnam identifies testing as key solution to prevent Covid-19 spread

Quick and accurate testing is the key solution to prevent the spread of Covid-19, therefore, all provinces and cities need to allocate sufficient resources for this process, stated Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Test using Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR).

If quick testing using antibody diagnosis is not accurate, local authorities should opt for the test using Real-time Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR), on pool of samples from three to five people to avoid waste of medical supplies, Mr. Phuc said at a government meeting on August 7.

He said there remains high risk of local coronavirus infections, requiring stronger measures from local authorities, especially in major cities in the next two weeks.

According to Mr. Phuc, social distancing is necessary at Covid-19 clusters, while the Ministry of Health is required to ensure no Covid-19 outbreak at hospitals.

Mr. Phuc requested people to wear face masks in public places in major cities or in areas hit by the pandemic for the time being,. This measure could be applied in other localities in the coming time.

Mr. Phuc expected local governments to ensure sufficient supply of face masks to their citizens.

A representative of the Ministry of Industry and Trade at the meeting said the country currently has 100 garment firms producing medical face masks with a production capacity of up to 100 million units per month, which ensures the supply of face masks for the public.

Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung said as of August 6, there were 8.5 million downloads for the locally-made contact tracing app Bluezone. Mr. Hung said the app needs 30 – 45 million users for it to become effective in the fight against Covid-19.