The World Health Organization (WHO) has assessed that Vietnam is reacting effectively to the new coronavirus disease (Covid-19) epidemic as the country switched on the response system right from the beginning of the outbreak, VnExpress reported.

Doctors wear protective clothes when making contact with an individual suspected of nCoV infection. Photo: Nhu Quynh

According to WHO, right from the first days when China recorded 27 strange cases of pneumonia in Wuhan city, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MoH) instructed localities and Departments of Health to actively take measures to curb the Covid-19 outbreak.

Vietnam closely monitored the disease situation at border gates. This move was extremely important to prevent the disease, WHO said.

When China confirmed the first case of death due to Covid-19 pneumonia on January 11, Vietnam quickly tightened medical control at border gates and airports. Visitors were examined for body temperature, anyone who manifested cough, fever, chest pain or traveled through epidemic-hit regions were strictly isolated, monitored and tested at healthcare centers.

The MoH provided hotline number 19003228 to provide information on Covid-19 infections. Rapid response teams were set up in dozens of hospitals, each consisted of at least two doctors and ambulances.

Vietnam has supervised and quarantined suspected people and treated patients, right from the first case detected, according to WHO.

Currently, Vietnam’s northern province of Vinh Phuc has become an epidemic hot spot where 11 people have tested positive with nCoV among 16 in the whole country. All people who made close contact with Covid-19 patients have been isolated and monitored.

Sixteen positive cases of nCoV in Vietnam were treated according to the MoH’s therapeutic regimen. Currently, seven have recovered and been discharged from hospital and others are in stable health.

WHO appreciated the work of Covid-19 outbreak prevention in Vietnam and the country's ability to address urgent public health issues, including outbreaks of infectious diseases.

WHO calls this "national capacity to respond and control urgent medical issues".

The organization recommends that Vietnam should remain vigilant and ready to control the disease as more new cases of Covid-19 infection are expected in the coming days.

There has currently been no vaccine for Covid-19. Vaccine production is underway so clinical trials can begin in 3-4 months. WHO will publish an initial list of vaccines under study.