HCM City to activate COVID-19 treatment units amid infection rise

All hospitals in the city were instructed to set up separate areas to admit and treat COVID-19 patients. Local health centres and medical facilities were required to prepare resources to timely and promptly to respond in the event that the COVID-19 pandemic worsens.

Hospitals were directed to take samples for SARS-CoV-2 detection by the RT-PCR method in order to make the most accurate diagnosis. For hospitalised cases, it is necessary to exploit their history of vaccination, underlying illnesses, and patient information to implement the most effective treatment measures possible.

When the number of severe cases treated at the Hospital for Tropical Diseases exceeds 50, field hospital No. 13 with 1,800 beds will be reactivated to respond to the worst case scenario.

As of April 25, the southern metropolis has recorded more than 200 new COVID-19 cases, with 57 patients requiring mechanical ventilation.

Notably, about 30% of hospitalised cases have not been vaccinated against the virus, and the majority of them are elderly and those suffering from underlying illnesses. Among them are eight children under 16 and five pregnant women.

Local scientists recently found many sub-variants of the SARS-nCov-2 mutated Omicron, including XBB. 1.5, XBB.1.9.1, XBB. 1.16 and XBB.1.16.1. Health professionals fear the number of fresh coronavirus cases would continue to rise in the coming time, especially during the upcoming five-day break to mark National Reunification Day on April 30 and International Labour Day on May 1.