nCoV: Vietnam people warned off crowd, more hotlines set up
People have been advised to keep away from the crowd and wear medical masks.
Vietnam’s Ministry of Health (MOH) has warned residents to avoid the crowd if unnecessary in the context that the number of new coronavirus (nCoV)-caused infections has risen to eight in the country.
The ministry has advised residents to wear medical masks when they are outside and to keep distance with people at risks of nCoV-caused respiratory sickness.
The ministry has issued a number of document guiding the prevention and control of the nCoV and instructions how to wash hands and wear medical masks correctly.
Meanwhile, residents have been aware of protecting themselves from the epidemic by avoiding crowds and wearing medical masks for schoolchildren in classes.
Notably, the ministry announces two national emergency lines namely 19009095 and 19003228 that provide free calls for information relating to the nCoV and 21 hotlines at 21 hospitals across the country.
In another move, the Vietnam Social Security has announced that they will facilitate the payment for people covered by health insurance in the checkup and treatment of nCoV-caused respiratory sickness.
As of February 3, Vietnam has confirmed eight individuals infected with the coronavirus, including two Chinese men, four Vietnamese citizens coming back from China’s Wuhan City, one American who transited in Wuhan, and one Vietnamese receptionist who had contacted with the infected Chinese nationals.
So far, the epidemic has spread to 27 countries and territories, being confirmed in 17,389 people, including 184 outside China, causing 362 deaths including one outside China (in the Philippines).
![Hanoi mayor urges stock of 20 million medical masks for possible nCoV outbreak](http://mediahntime.vpshosting.vn/2020/01/30/chung.jpg)
Hanoi mayor urges stock of 20 million medical masks for possible nCoV outbreak
The city's leader requires the health sector to be well-prepared for the worse situation.
![Prices of medical face masks in Hanoi skyrocket amid possible nCoV outbreak](http://mediahntime.vpshosting.vn/2020/01/31/khau_trang_1.jpg)
Prices of medical face masks in Hanoi skyrocket amid possible nCoV outbreak
Some store owners even declined customers’ requests for purchase of facial masks in large quantity, due to the supply shortage.
![nCoV: Vietnam capable of producing sufficient medical masks](http://mediahntime.vpshosting.vn/2020/01/31/corona_zing_5_.jpg)
nCoV: Vietnam capable of producing sufficient medical masks
Prices of masks have been driven up by hoarding and citizens’ spookiness.