Hanoi (VNA) – Facing complex developments of COVID-19 around the world,anti-pandemic forces of Vietnam always stand ready to respond, Deputy PrimeMinister Vu Duc Dam said at a meeting with representatives of the World HealthOrganisation (WHO), international organisations and some sectors in Hanoi onMay 12.

DeputyMinister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long reported that Vietnam hasn’t recorded newinfections of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, in the community for26 consecutive days, and it is still carrying out surveillance of risk populations.

About1,200 – 2,000 samples are tested each day, and tests of 275,000 samplescollected so far have discovered 288 infected cases, most of which were inquarantine facilities, he noted, adding that epidemiological factors and risksof community transmission in Vietnam are very low at present.

Therefore,the country is pressing on with thoroughly preventing transmission from othercountries, strictly quarantining those entering Vietnam for 14 days and takingsamples from them for testing twice a day, maintaining the monitoring andtesting system to early detect infections in the community, sealing off areaswith infected cases, improving the medical staff’s capacity, and boosting theproduction of medical equipment, medicine and other supplies, Long said.

Recognisinglocal efforts in the COVID-19 fight, WHO Representative in Vietnam Kidong Park saidthe country has taken early actions and had drastic measures in response toeach infection.

However,he also warned that as there is no medicine specialised in COVID-19treatment or a vaccine, and the pandemic is forecast to linger, Vietnam needsto stay vigilant and keep a close watch on the situation. Besides, althoughVietnam doesn’t have infected cases in the community, other countries in theregion and the world are still struggling with the pandemic.

Risksof community infection still exist, he said, recommending it gear up for newcases and even a “new wave” of infections so as to actively control thepandemic like when the “first wave” occurred.

Inthe time ahead, WHO will continue working closely with the Government, the nationalsteering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control, and the Health Ministryof Vietnam to exchange information, update technical guidelines, and shareVietnam’s experience with the international community, Park said.

AppreciatingWHO and foreign experts’ cooperation and assistance, Deputy PM Dam, who is also head of the national steering committee, expressed his hope for furthercoordination, noting that Vietnam is ready to share information, initiatives,and experience in the COVID-19 prevention and control with the internationalcommunity, especially low-income and developing nations.

Hestressed that anti-pandemic forces like health workers, military and police alwaysstay ready, and that Vietnam is keeping a tight control of people entering the country while easing restrictions within the country so as to realise the dual targetof combating the pandemic and ensuring socio-economic development./.