SARS-CoV-2 virus spreads through droplets, air, says health official

Mutated strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus not only spread quickly through respiratory droplets but also through the air, therefore mask wearing is very important, Cuong said at a regular Government press briefing on June 3.

Vietnam is battling the fourth COVID-19 wave, with the virus spreading to 38 cities and provinces nationwide. Close to 5,000 cases, including 13 deaths, have been confirmed since the virus recurred in late April.

Most notably, results of genome sequencing show variants B.1.1.7 and B.617.2 first identified in the United Kingdom and India respectively have been found in various localities. Both mutated strains are believed to be highly transmissible than their predecessors.

Regarding vaccine imports and vaccinations in Vietnam, Cuong said the government has encouraged eligible localities and businesses to import vaccines to inoculate their residents and employees. He also said that as the vaccines are imported for emergency use, their negative side-effects are closely being monitored by authorized agencies.

“We have to accept the vaccines that have been approved by manufacturing countries. The solution is ….to purchase them directly, not through intermediaries, for safety reasons,” said the health official.

On vaccination progress, Cuong noted the Ministry of Health has been tasked with securing at least 150 million doses of COVID-19 vaccines to immunize 70% of Vietnamese population, and the target is likely to be achievable.

In fact, Vietnam has reached agreements with AstraZeneca, COVAX Facility, Pfizer/BioNTech and Sputnik V to get more than 130 million doses. The Ministry of Health is seeking deals with other COVID-19 vaccine manufacturers such as Moderna and Johnson&Johnson to diversify sources of supply for domestic use.