Hanoi (VNA) – The Ministry of Health (MoH) has urged specialised agencies and local health departments to step up surveillance and response efforts, as COVID-19 cases have been sporadically reported in 27 localities nationwide since early 2025, with numbers rising in recent weeks.

The MoH also called on the public to follow preventive measures, including wearing masks, avoiding large gatherings, practicing regular hand hygiene, maintaining a healthy diet and exercise routine, and seeking prompt medical attention if experiencing symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

According to the World Health Organisation, more than 25,000 COVID-19 cases have been recorded globally over the past month. Notably, from January 1 to May 10, Thailand reported nearly 54,000 infections and 16 deaths. The rise in cases in Thailand has been linked to the spread of XBB.1.16 subvariant.

In Vietnam, sporadic COVID-19 cases have been reported in 27 provinces and cities since the beginning of the year, with no fatalities. Most cases were recorded in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Nghe An, Quang Ninh, and Binh Duong. Although no major outbreaks have been detected, there has been a slight increase over the past three weeks, with an average of about 20 cases per week.

Dr Hoang Minh Duc, Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine at the Ministry of Health, stated that COVID-19 is now an endemic disease in Vietnam. With increased travel during the April 30 – May 1 holidays, a rise in infections cannot be ruled out. However, severe cases are unlikely to surge due to the current virus variants.

In response to the COVID-19 situation, the MoH has strengthened surveillance, closely monitored developments, and implemented prevention measures at both healthcare facilities and in the community. Medical teams are prepared to receive, treat, and care for patients, especially those in high-risk groups such as pregnant women, the elderly, and people with underlying conditions. The ministry also advises the public to follow appropriate preventive measures to help control the spread of the virus.

Dr. Ha Anh Duc, Director of the Vietnam Administration for Medical Services under the MoH, said the ministry has issued a directive requesting hospitals, affiliated institutes, and provincial health departments to urgently review and update their COVID-19 treatment and admission plans based on projected developments, to avoid passive or unprepared responses.

Medical facilities have been instructed to prepare necessary infrastructure, medical equipment, and supplies to ensure effective patient admission, isolation, diagnosis, treatment, and infection control, he said, adding that measures to prevent transmission, especially via respiratory routes, must be strengthened to minimise the risk of outbreaks within healthcare establishments.

According to Khong Minh Tuan, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Centre for Disease Control, beyond efforts by health authorities, active pಌublic involvement is essential, not be careless or subjective./.