To strengthen safety assurance and disease prevention during the high school exam 2023 in Vietnam

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Implementing Directive No. 17/CT-TTg to strengthen direction and coordination in organizing high school graduation exams. The Ministry of Health issues Official Dispatch 3636/BYT-KCB requesting the Departments of Health of the provinces and centrally-run cities, the hospitals under the Ministry of Health, and the ministries and branches to implement the following contents:

1. Procedures for medical supervision for the prevention and control of COVID-19

According to the guidance in Clause 1.1, Article 1 of Official Dispatch 3636/BYT-KCB on medical supervision for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, the following procedures shall be carried out:

- Arranging for medical supervision of candidates, examination officials, and staff directly serving the high school graduation exam and university enrollment and vocational education in 2023 (hereinafter referred to as the High School Graduation Exam) to early detect and promptly handle suspected cases of COVID-19. Arrange permanent medical staff at the high school graduation exam site.

+ Medical staff serving the exam perform both emergency duties—medical examination and disease surveillance.

- The High School Graduation Exam sites will arrange a medical room to handle suspected cases of COVID-19 and other illnesses during the organization of the High School Graduation Exam.

Suspected cases of COVID-19 that need to be handled: People with signs and symptoms of the disease such as fever; cough; sore throat; runny nose, stuffy nose; body aches, fatigue, chills; decreased or lost taste; decreased or lost sense of smell; pain, headache; diarrhea; shortness of breath; respiratory infections).

2. Handling suspected cases of COVID-19 in Vietnam

According to the instructions in Clause 1.2, Article 1 of Official Dispatch 3636/BYT-KCB issued by the Ministry of Health of Vietnam on handling suspected cases of COVID-19:

- When a suspected case of COVID-19 is detected, the permanent medical staff immediately notify the focal point of the Examination Council assigned to monitor and the unit leader of the standing medical staff at the test site (Note that only informing the focal point officer and not informing anyone else to avoid information disturbance) to notify the Organizing Committee of the High School Graduation Exam for advice and handling.

– Instructing this case to go to the health room to collect samples for rapid antigen testing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and check and assess his health status:

(1) In case of a negative test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus:

Continuing to participate in exams and activities for the High School Graduation Exam if the health condition is guaranteed; strictly implementing mask wearing; Immediately notify the health agency when there are unusual signs and symptoms for instructions on handling.

(2) In case of a positive test for the SARS-CoV-2 virus:

- For candidates:

+ Health condition, if it is still possible to participate in the exam:

++ At the test site, it is not possible to arrange a separate exam room: Consider arranging a separate exam table for this candidate; require candidates to wear masks seriously and minimize contact with others during procedures and exams; do a daily self-check; and notify medical staff when there are abnormal health manifestations.

++ At the test site, where a separate examination room is arranged, a separate examination will be held for candidates in this room.

++ Instruct students' parents to take medical measures (pay attention to isolation to prevent infection) at home and place of residence for candidates after attending the exam; take samples for rapid antigen testing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus daily during the exam period.

+ If your health condition is not guaranteed to allow you to take the exam, you will be transferred to a medical facility to be examined and treated for COVID-19 and carry out other procedures according to the regulations of the High School Graduation Exam.

- For examination officials and direct service staff:

+ If, after examining and assessing the health status, it is deemed that it is still possible to participate in the examination and service:

++ In case the staff is arranged to be replaced: this staff member should take a break from attending the exam, serving the exam, and going home and stay to perform isolation and take samples for rapid antigen testing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus according to regulations.

++ In case it is not possible to arrange a replacement officer: Require staff to wear masks seriously and minimize contact with others; it is best to arrange separate seating and living areas; take medical measures (pay attention to isolation to prevent infection) at home and place of residence after examination sessions and examination services; take samples for rapid antigen testing of the SARS-CoV-2 virus daily in time; daily self-check and notify medical staff when there are abnormal health manifestations.

+ If their health condition is not suitable to participate in the examination and serve, they will be transferred to a medical facility to be examined and treated for COVID-19 and carry out other procedures according to the provisions of the High School Graduation Exam.

- Conducting cleaning and disinfection at the exam site.

- Notifying the focal point officer of the Organizing Committee of the High School Graduation Exam and the Leaders of the Health Agency to direct handling and management according to regulations.

- Other activities are still carried out according to the approved exam plan.

3. Handling cases of close contacts of COVID-19 positive case in Vietnam

According to the guidance in Clause 1.3, Article 1 of Official Dispatch 3636/BYT-KCB on handling close contacts of cases who test positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus or have COVID-19, as follows:

Practice wearing a mask seriously and self-monitoring your health.

At the same time, at the venue of the High School Graduation Exam, the units will arrange permanent medical staff to fully prepare the necessary drugs, medical equipment, and rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2.

After the end of the High School Graduation Exam: Candidates, exam officials, service staff, and other participants self-monitor their health after finishing the High School Graduation Exam as prescribed.

Thus, we are gradually transitioning from "no COVID" to "safely adapting, flexibly, and effectively controlling the COVID-19 epidemic". Social activities, production, and business are being restored. But we absolutely must not be subjective, negligent, or let our guard down to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and the whole of society.

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