- The COVID-19 epidemic is developing complicatedly as the number of cases nationwide as well as in the province has tended to increase in recent weeks. To clarify the situation and response measures, reporters of Lang Son Newspaper and Radio and Television interviewed Mr. Phan Lac Hoai Thanh, Deputy Director of the Department of Health .
Mr. Phan Lac Hoai Thanh: COVID-19 is a disease circulating worldwide , with an increasing trend and outbreaks in many countries, including some countries in the region such as China, Thailand, Singapore.... Up to now, the COVID-19 epidemic is still being closely monitored in the group B infectious disease surveillance system; there is currently no evidence of more severe symptoms of COVID-19 variants in this outbreak and the World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued a new warning for COVID-19 globally. In Vietnam, since the beginning of 2025, more than 5,800 cases have been recorded, no concentrated outbreaks have been recorded, however, there has been a slight increase in the past 4 weeks.
Lang Son province borders several localities with high numbers of COVID-19 cases such as Hanoi (891 cases), Quang Ninh (413 cases), Bac Giang (321 cases), Thai Nguyen (245 cases). From the beginning of 2025 to June 8, the whole province has recorded 44 COVID-19 cases, of which the most recent week had 25 new cases, this is the week with the highest increase since the beginning of the year. Cases appeared in 9/11 districts and cities, mainly concentrated in Huu Lung (12 cases) and Lang Son city (12 cases). This development shows that the epidemic can return at any time if we are subjective. Therefore, vigilance, close monitoring of developments and quick response are mandatory requirements.
PV: Given these notable developments, what specific measures has the health sector been implementing to effectively control the epidemic?
Mr. Phan Lac Hoai Thanh: As soon as Southeast Asia and some provinces in Vietnam showed signs of increasing cases, the Ministry of Health issued many documents urging localities to be proactive in COVID-19 prevention and control. Implementing the direction of the Provincial People's Committee, the Department of Health has regularly monitored the epidemic situation at the border gate and in localities throughout the province. Specifically, on June 3, 2025, the Department of Health issued Document No. 1776/SYT-NVYD directing the strengthening of monitoring, examination, detection and treatment of COVID-19 throughout the province. We request that medical units strictly monitor according to Circular 54/2015/TT-BYT dated December 28, 2015 of the Ministry of Health on guidelines for the information reporting and declaration regime of infectious diseases and epidemics; Strengthen screening of suspected cases, especially in high-risk groups such as the elderly, people with underlying diseases, pregnant women. At the same time, direct units to review response plans, prepare isolation areas, drugs, biological products, medical equipment. Hospitals develop plans for admission, patient flow, strict infection control, especially in departments with seriously ill patients (intensive care, cardiovascular, artificial kidney, surgery, etc.); retrain medical staff on monitoring and treatment skills.
Determining that to prevent epidemics, the media must be one step ahead, the health sector has stepped up communication on epidemic prevention and control to every village and residential area, providing information and recommendations on epidemic prevention through grassroots radio channels and community social networks. Simple, concise, and specific recommendations for people to easily remember and implement such as: wearing a mask when having symptoms of cough or fever; washing hands regularly; proactively declaring health status... are emphasized again.
In particular, the Department of Health has assigned the Provincial Center for Disease Control to strengthen coordination with media agencies to disseminate and post information on social networks (Facebook, Zalo, Youtube...); promote community communication through seminars, talks, leaflets, loudspeakers... information on the COVID-19 epidemic situation and prevention and control measures...
PV: In the context that the epidemic may continue to be complicated and new variants may appear, what is the key direction of the health sector in the coming time to control COVID-19, sir?
Mr. Phan Lac Hoai Thanh: In order to proactively adapt and control the epidemic with the motto "early detection - early intervention - on-site control", in the coming time, the provincial health sector will continue to implement sustainable control and management activities for the COVID-19 epidemic according to Decision No. 3984 dated October 29, 2023 of the Ministry of Health. At the same time, we direct to strengthen coordination between the treatment and prevention systems; strengthen the capacity of grassroots health care to organize admission, isolation, diagnosis and treatment of COVID-19 patients when the epidemic may develop complicatedly, proactively reserve drugs and supplies, build flexible response scenarios for possible epidemic situations, avoid being passive and surprised, be ready to protect people's lives and health in all circumstances.
In the summer, the demand for tourism and travel increases, crowds gather at tourist, entertainment, and public places, increasing the risk of disease transmission, including COVID-19. Therefore, the Department of Health continues to direct local medical facilities to proactively coordinate, closely monitor the epidemic situation, organize assessments, identify epidemic risks, and deploy appropriate and effective responses in disease prevention and control. In particular, focusing on guiding management units at tourist, entertainment, and recreational sites, shopping centers, public places, and residential areas to organize propaganda and recommendations for implementing personal disease prevention measures such as: wearing masks in public places, on public transport, at medical facilities; limiting gatherings in crowded places if not necessary; washing hands regularly with clean water, soap, or antiseptic solution; If you have fever, cough, or difficulty breathing, go immediately to the nearest medical facility for examination, monitoring, and timely treatment.
PV: Thank you very much!
Source: https://baolangson.vn/chu-dong-ung-pho-voi-dich-covid-19-5049656.html
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