Serious COVID-19 patients under special care in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

HÀ NỘI — In a landmark announcement, the Ministry of Health (MoH) has declared COVID-19 as the 35th occupational disease covered by social insurance.

This decision, which takes effect on April 1 of this year, reflects the growing recognition that workers in certain industries are at heightened risk of exposure to the virus due to the nature of their employment.

According to the MoH, workers who are considered to have been exposed to sources of the SARS-CoV-2 virus include those employed in medical establishments, those involved in the handling or transport of samples containing the virus or COVID-19 patients, and healthcare workers such as doctors, nurses, and others who are actively engaged in pandemic prevention efforts.

The diagnosis of COVID-19 as an occupational disease is based on guidelines outlined in two previous decisions by the MoH, issued in January and February of last year.

The period of examination to determine the presence of sequelae is set at a minimum of six months after the patient has received stable treatment for the virus.

For those diagnosed with COVID-19 as an occupational disease, the MoH has confirmed that they will be eligible for benefits and support under existing regulations governing such cases.

This announcement is a critical step forward in ensuring that workers who are disproportionately impacted by the pandemic are provided with the support and resources they need to recover and move forward. — VNS