Drastic measures taken to prevent and combat spread of nCoV

Khanh Hoa Province is taking drastic measures to prevent and combat spread of the 2019 novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV).

 

Community proactive in dealing with the threat

 

These days, many locals are seen wearing medical masks on streets and in public places, spurring a run on protective face masks and hand sanitizer. Local residents are aware of the disease and have their own ways to protect themselves and the community. A resident named Doan Thi Nhon, Tran Nguyen Han Street, Nha Trang City says, “Before Tet, I bought hand sanitizer for use and asked my children and grandchildren to wear medical masks when going out. During the New Year Holiday, I rarely went to crowded places.”

 

Another resident named Hoang Thu Hien, Ngoc Hiep Ward, Nha Trang City, says, “I prevent myself from getting the disease by wearing face masks in public places, drinking a lot of warm water and taking minerals to improve immunization. I also advised others in my family to stay healthy and safe.”

 

 

 

Besides, prevention measures have been boosted in bookstores, supermarkets, train stations, coach stations and in other crowded places. Vo Dinh Dung, Director of Co.opmart Nha Trang says all staff are required to wear face masks when working; and change clothes before work. Hand sanitizer is available for use on the way into the supermarket, in rest rooms, etc. The temperature of the supermarket is kept over 20°C or even over 25°C when possible. The supermarket is also working with suppliers to meet the increasing need for face masks and hand sanitizer.

 

Similarly, Nha Trang Railway Transport Branch Company has prepared face masks and protection goggles for staff, especially those working directly with passengers. The station and train coaches are regularly cleaned. The temperature in cabins is kept at 25 - 27°C. Notification about the prevention methods is made to passengers. Any suspected cases will be monitored, isolated and reported to the nearest health agency, reports Tran Viet Tung, Director of Nha Trang Railway Transport Branch Company. 

 

Various measures are also taken to prevent the possible spread of the contagious disease in coach stations. Khanh Hoa Transport Service Company has sent the disease control and prevention notification to all transportation businesses. All ticket sellers, drivers and service staff are required to wear face masks. All vehicles are carefully checked to prevent the transport of wild animals and tamed ones, says Nguyen Ly Minh Quan, Vice-Director of Khanh Hoa Transport Service Company.

 

Nguyen Khanh Nguyen, Director of KN Tourism Trading & Tourism Company says the company delivers free face masks to all passengers. Face masks and hand sanitizer are always available on his tour buses for use.

 

Raising prevention and control alert 

 

Under the guidance of Khanh Hoa People’s Committee, the local health sector has raised the disease prevention and control alert level. Dr. Bui Xuan Minh, Director of Khanh Hoa Department of Health says, the nCoV prevention and control plans have been made at various levels in Khanh Hoa and the list of health care settings for the disease has been posted on its website.

 

Emergency response teams have been founded together with preparedness plans to respond to the disease outbreak. Khanh Hoa Hospital of Tropical Diseases has founded one isolation area with 50 beds under round-the clock surveillance and a separate area for suspected cases of nCoV. The hospital has signed a contract with DPCAPITAL Company, Ho Chi Minh City, to disinfect the entire hospital, says Dr. Nguyen Dong, Director of Khanh Hoa Hospital of Tropical Diseases.

 

No suspected cases have been reported so far at Khanh Hoa Tuberculosis & Lung Diseases Hospital but proactive surveillance measures have been stepped up. The hospital has founded 2 isolation areas and required all staff to wear face masks. Disinfectant is available for use in many places. All devices, clothing and items in patients’ rooms are regularly disinfected. Sufficient human labor and infrastructures with medications, chemicals are assured together with nCoV training for medical staff and emergency teams ready to cope with any emergencies. 

 

Translated by N.T