Vietnam makes thorough preparations for COVID-19 fight. (Photo: VGP)
Prepare all possible plans
The ASEAN Post on April 9th posted an article calling on ASEAN member countries, as well as many countries around the world, to learn from Vietnam's rapid response to COVID-19.
According to the article, compared to other ASEAN member countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia with thousands of COVID-19 cases and hundreds of deaths, the number of infections in Vietnam is relatively low and there has not been any fatalities.
The article also mentioned the rapid test method, and quoted Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long confirming to the public and the media that Vietnam does not lack the SARS-CoV2 virus diagnostic test kits.
Apart from 200,000 rapid COVID-19 test kits imported from the Republic of Korea, Vietnam has also produced its own test kit that can help diagnose COVID-19 in just one hour.
Vietnam carefully prepared all measures to cope with the outbreak of the epidemic before even detecting the first positive cases. Currently, Vietnam has 21 health facilities nationwide authorized to test for COVID-19.
Strict quarantine and traceability of cases
Earlier, the Asia-Pacific Foundation of Canada also mentioned the successful measures of Vietnam in the fight against COVID-19.
The strict traceability of infection origin and mass testing are key considered strategies adopted by many countries; however, Vietnam is focusing more on isolating infected people and tracing secondary cases.
According to the foundation, Vietnam has quickly mobilized medical, police, military and local officials to conduct traceability of those who have contact with known cases.
In addition, Vietnam has also applied strict surveillance of suspected cases. The Ministry of Health has cooperated with technological companies to develop an online reporting system for SARS-CoV-2 suspected and infected cases, as well as those who have close contact with them, before putting the information into the database.
In addition, the Ministry of Information and Communications also introduced a mobile application called NCOVI that allows the public to report daily health status.
Strict organization and effective implementation
The World Economic Forum (WEF) highly appreciated Vietnam's rapid response to COVID-19, well organizing and rapidly carrying out effective preventive measures, adding that countries in the region and the world need to learn from Vietnam's response measures.
FreeMalaysiaToday newspaper on April 9th said what is being done in Vietnam should be taken as an example to help the poor. According to the newspaper, during the difficult time, some benefactors, social organizations and individuals have provided free rice to those in need.
The article cited the unique idea of "free rice supplied by ATM model" in Ho Chi Minh city to provide free rice for those in need. People in line to get rice also maintain the 2 meters in distance.
The article recommends that Malaysia should study this idea to help those in need and minimize the risk of SARS-Cov-2 infections./.