Guidelines for the prevention and control of COVID-19 infection in medical establishments in Vietnam

Infection transmission of SARS-CoV-2 in Vietnam

Current evidence suggests that the virus is transmitted in three ways:

Droplet transmission: The virus is usually spread by droplets released from the mouth or nose of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe. Another person can then become infected with the virus when contaminated droplets are splashed directly into the eyes, nose, or mouth in close-contact situations.

- Transmission by contact: Infection can occur when contaminated hands come into contact with secretions, contaminated surfaces with the virus and then touch sensitive areas (eyes, nose, mouth).

Airborne transmission: The virus can be spread from small respiratory droplets (aerosol particles) that are released from the mouth or nose of an infected person when they cough, sneeze, speak, sing, or breathe; then, another person can become infected with the virus by inhaling aerosolized particles containing SARS-CoV-2 gas at close range.

The virus can also spread in places with poor ventilation or in crowded places where aerosol-generating airway procedures are performed due to aerosol droplets carrying the virus suspended in the air and can spread in a wide range, also known as airborne transmission in a wide range.

Measures to control infection with SARS-CoV-2 in medical establishments in Vietnam

- Organize early detection and timely isolation of people with or suspected of having COVID-19.

- Implement standard precautions combined with transmission prevention.

- Ensure ventilation in the patient care area.

- Use personal protective equipment.

- Enhance hand hygiene practices.

- Sanitize and disinfect surface environments, means of transport, and patient care.

- Prevention of infection with SARS-CoV-2 in some special situations, such as: Surgery on patients with COVID-19; Protect patients at high risk of infection.

- Get vaccinated against COVID-19.

- Strengthen training and monitoring of compliance with preventive practices among healthcare workers.

More details can be found in Decision 2609/QĐ-BYT, effective as of the date of signing and promulgation.

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