"COVID-19 cases rise, but no cause for alarm"

Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Infectious Diseases Association, reassures that the recent increase does not warrant panic.

In recent weeks, the number of COVID-19 cases has been rising again in several countries, especially in Thailand, which has reported tens of thousands of cases and dozens of deaths. 

This development has sparked concern among many Vietnamese citizens, particularly following a long holiday period marked by high travel and tourism activity.

Dr. Truong Huu Khanh, Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Infectious Diseases Association, says the public should not be overly concerned about the rising number of COVID-19 cases.

So, is the pandemic making a strong comeback? Do we need new vaccinations or a return to strict preventive measures? 

A reporter from Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper spoke with Dr. Truong Huu Khanh—Vice President of the Ho Chi Minh City Infectious Diseases Association and Infectious Diseases Consultant at Children's Hospital 1 in Ho Chi Minh City—to shed more light on the situation and provide recommendations for the public.

- COVID-19 cases are rising again in Thailand, including some deaths. Is this a cause for concern?

Dr. Truong Huu Khanh: In reality, Thailand has not implemented any lockdowns or isolation measures. The circulating strain is still a mild variant—not one with high virulence. 

When deaths occur, it's important to examine the circumstances: Who were the patients? Did they have underlying conditions? Any illness can be fatal if the person is already in poor health. Therefore, we shouldn't panic just by looking at the numbers.

- Is the post-holiday increase in cases something to be concerned about?

The increase isn't primarily due to holidays or crowds. Respiratory viruses like COVID-19 can spread whether you’re out and about or staying at home. 

The key point is that most people now have some level of background immunity, so the risk of severe illness is very low. COVID-19 at this stage is essentially no different from the common flu.

- Who should be particularly careful about following preventive measures?

People with chronic lung disease, weakened immune systems, diabetes, cardiovascular conditions, or those who are elderly. This group should strictly follow respiratory infection prevention guidelines. 

But in general, measures such as wearing a mask when necessary, washing hands, maintaining personal hygiene, and monitoring symptoms apply to everyone. For vulnerable individuals, caution should always be maintained—not just with COVID-19, but with any respiratory infectious disease. 

Protective practices like wearing masks, avoiding crowded places, getting enough rest, maintaining a healthy diet, and monitoring health should be sustained regularly, regardless of whether COVID-19 is currently circulating.

- Some are worried that the outbreak will surge again and that lockdowns will return. What is your view?

That won’t happen. COVID-19 has now been classified as a Group B infectious disease, similar to influenza. 

The health sector is proactively monitoring and responding, and the public has developed community immunity. There will be no more lockdowns or quarantines like before. People need to stay rational and not be alarmed by rumors or speculation on social media.