9 subjects can have quick test for SARS-CoV-2

The COVID-19 epidemic in Vietnam is complicated with many provinces and cities recording cases and is likely to spread in the near future. In order to enhance the effectiveness of testing activities for surveillance, prevention and control of the COVID-19 epidemic, according to the Guidelines for the use of biological products for rapid testing of SAR-CoV-2 virus antigens, issued together with the Decision No. 2022 /QD-BYT dated April 28, 2021 by the Ministry of Health, followed by Dispatch No.3805/BYT-DP dated May 7, 2021 of the Ministry of Health on strengthening capacity, ensuring testing quality, to proactively deploying testing on a large scale, the Ministry of Health specifically guides the use of antigen rapid test as follows:

1. Based on the epidemic situation in the locality, the Department of Health guides medical facilities, agencies and units in the area to conduct self-testing with antigen rapid test for the following subjects:

- Medical staff, caregivers, service staff (without clinical signs of suspected COVID-19) in isolation facilities with people being isolated;

- Patients undergoing inpatient treatment, those who come for medical examination at hospitals or medical facilities (without clinical signs of suspicion of COVID-19);

- Subjects subject to home isolation (F2) - People living in the outbreak have been isolated;

- People working in essential fields (without clinical symptoms suspected of having COVID-19), often in contact with the community during the isolated outbreak;

- People working in the service sector, often in contact with the community (bar staff, discos, karaoke, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, drivers...);

- Officers and people on duty at border gates and border crossings often come into contact with risk subjects;

- People working in industrial parks, agencies, enterprises, corporations...

- Other high-risk groups under the guidance of the Department of Health.

2. The review is carried out periodically at least every 5-7 days or according to the needs and resources of medical facilities, agencies and units with the support of medical staff in order to open Expanding the tested subjects, enhancing surveillance capacity and reducing the burden on the health system.

Using diagnostic biological products that have been granted circulation registration by the Ministry of Health (according to the attached list) or other legally imported biological products.