Children receive temperature check when arriving at school in HCM City (Photo: VNA)The southern hub recorded1,356 new infections and 334 cases of hospitalisation on February 22, both higher thanthe previous days, but the numbers of severe cases and deaths are still low.
The HCDC said from February10 to 17, 70 of the 92 samples sent to the Oxford University Clinical ResearchUnit (OUCRU) and the Hospital for Tropical Diseases, equivalent to 76 percent,tested positive for Omicron. Gene sequencing results also showed that all the26 samples randomly selected from those 70 samples were positive to thisvariant.
Facing the spread of Omicron,HCM City is stepping up anti-pandemic measures, including the second phase ofthe spring vaccination campaign, scheduled to wrap up at the end of February, during which it has administered the first dose to more than 6,000 people,the second to over 26,000, and additional and booster to over85,000.
The HCDC said vaccination isa critically important measure for enhancing the immunity against Omicron.
The city is also working to promotethe protection of vulnerable groups, including obese children.
Tang Chi Thuong, Director ofthe municipal Health Department, said during February 14 - 22, the number ofchildren infected with COVID-19 tripled from the previous seven days, fromFebruary 7 to 13.
The department is keeping aclose watch on new infections and severe cases needing respiratory support toadvise the municipal People’s Committee about whether or not in-person learningshould be suspended, he said, adding that there are five child patients in needof respiratory support each day./.
VNA
