Passengers at Sài Gòn Train Station prepare to return home. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Those returning to their hometowns during the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday will not have to quarantine, according to the latest document sent from the health ministry to local people’s committees at a central level.

The move aims to create favourable conditions for the returnees as the vaccination rate across the country is high.

According to the health ministry, 100 per cent of localities have completed the first vaccine doses for those aged over 18.

The inoculation rate of the second and third doses is at 95.6 per cent and 18.6 per cent respectively.

More than 94 per cent of children aged between 12 and 17 have also received one dose.

Local authorities are responsible for ensuring returnees follow 5K protocols and track their health status.

Those who show signs of fever, coughs or breathing difficulties must refrain from interacting with others and report themselves to local medical forces.

Local authorities are also in charge of supervising COVID-19 safety observance during the holiday.

Recently some provinces and cities issued compulsory quarantine regulations and testing measures for returnees. The Ministry of Health document sent to local people’s committees asks for these regulations to be lifted.

450,000 doses of COVID treatment medicine distributed

According to the health ministry, as of January 21, about 450,000 doses of antiviral drug Molnupiravir have been distributed to 53 localities under the trial treatment programme for infection cases with light symptoms.

In August, the Ministry of Health has asked the National Lung Hospital and HCM City University of Medicine and Pharmacy to coordinate with local departments of health to implement the pilot programme. Clinical trials of Molnupiravir has shown the safety and effectiveness of the drug.

Reports from 22 provinces/cities showed that Molnupiravir has a high level of safety and effectiveness in reducing viral load, transmission and number of severe cases as well as shortening treatment duration.

The Ministry of Health has requested localities to strengthen inspection and strictly handle violations in producing and advertising the drugs, especially trading of drugs with unknown origin and unreasonable drug price’s increases.

The Ministry of Health has warned patients should only take Molnupiravir with a doctor's prescription and not buy or use Molnupiravir of unknown origin sold in the market.

In case of encountering any adverse drug reactions, patients should immediately report to a doctor or pharmacist for advice and treatment. VNS