People are seen wearing face masks. The Ministry of Health has taken steps to protect local residents from a pneumonia virus called coronavirus

In a statement released on January 12, the ministry advised local residents to keep their distance from people with acute respiratory infections and to wear face masks, the local media reported.

In addition, they should keep their bodies warm, ensure personal hygiene, cover their mouths and noses with tissues when coughing or sneezing and avoid making contact with farm and wild animals.

As for people returning from China’s Wuhan, where the viral outbreak has been raging since early this year, they must have a health check-up immediately if they catch a fever, cough or have difficulty breathing within 14 days of their return.

According to the Ministry of Health, 41 Chinese people in Wuhan were found to be infected with the virus, including a 61-year-old man who has died.

No cases of the virus have been detected in Vietnam to date. However, as the virus could mutate, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health has held several meetings to work out preventive measures.

The ministry has also asked localities to proactively prevent the disease and prepare for worst-case scenarios. SGT

Passengers screened at Noi Bai airport to prevent severe pneumonia

As a means of preventing the spread of recent bouts of severe pneumonia which have been flaring up in China, Hanoi’s health sector has set up five remote body temperature gauges

Surveillance steps up around Quang Ninh to combat severe pneumonia

An active surveillance system has been set up at several border gates and airports by the Quang Ninh International Health Quarantine Center as a way of preventing the spread of severe pneumonia.