The health sector is stepping up the application of technology in telehealth checks-up and treatment. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam, head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, chaired its national teleconference on Saturday to review the fight against the pandemic. 

Speaking at the event, Đam said the World Health Organization (WHO) forecast that the pandemic could last until the end of 2021 due to the unavailability of vaccines. 

With the Party’s sound leadership, the PM and Government’s determination, and close collaboration between the steering committee and ministries, agencies and localities, Việt Nam effectively and promptly localised affected areas, helping achieve the dual goal of fighting the pandemic and ensuring economic growth. 

The country also stepped up co-operation with foreign experts and organisations to study SARS-CoV-2, share treatment therapies and offer mutual support, he said. 

After four COVID-19 transmission risks were defined in Việt Nam, the map of safe living with COVID-19 antoancovid.vn was launched on October 1, which will be firstly used at schools and medical establishments to update information about the disease. 

Later, the map will be widely used by lodging facilities, offices, factories, supermarkets and public transport vehicles. 

The Ministry of Health is working with the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Ministry of Information and Communications to complete the tool. 

The Deputy PM asked the Ministry of Health to work on the national electronic health records to monitor the health of the elderly, patients with outlying diseases and those at high risk of contracting COVID-19, as well as step-up remote health check-ups and treatment. 

Acting Minister of Health Nguyễn Thanh Long said Viet Nam experienced two waves of COVID-19 outbreaks in March and July with 1,096 infections and 35 deaths. The country has so far gone more than 30 consecutive days without local transmissions and 1,020 patients have been given the all-clear from the virus. 

As the upcoming winter-spring weather is likely to be conducive to the spread of the virus, he urged localities and people to stay vigilant, especially closely controlling illegal entry at border gates. 

Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen Trần Đơn directed units and localities to ensure security and order, keep track of entries to Việt Nam to minimise transmission risks in the community. — VNS