PEOPLE HAVING RESPIRATORY SYMPTOMS SHOULD NOT USE HANDS TO COVER MOUTH WHEN COUGHING
According to the Ministry of Health’s recommendations, all patients or healthcare workers having any respiratory symptom must apply the principles of respiratory hygiene, including: Cover the mouth and nose with tissue when coughing and sneezing, and then discard it into the waste bin. In case no tissue is available, a person may cough onto the upper side of the elbow, not use the hand to cover mouth when coughing.
The patient who has symptoms of coughing or sneezing should wear medical mask when having close contact (<2m) or the healthcare worker examining a patient who has risk of COVID-19 via droplet transmission. Concurrently, wash hands after having contact with excretions. Stand or sit at least 2 meters apart from a COVID-19 confirmed or suspected patient.
Those who do not have respiratory symptoms should avoid gathering and avoid coming to crowded places frequently; keep a distance at least 2 meters off any person having respiratory symptoms (for example: coughing, sneezing), etc. At the same time, do hand hygiene regularly with alcohol-based solution for unsoiled hands or with soap and water for soiled hands.
Those who have respiratory symptoms are recommended to wear medical mask and to have to visit hospital as soon as possible in case of fever, cough, dyspnea, etc. and use and manage masks properly, avoiding risks of transmission related to the improper use and discard of mask.
The above-mentioned guidance is issued together with the Decision No. 468/QD-BYT dated February 19, 2020 of the Ministry of Health on promulgating the Guidance on prevention and control of acute respiratory infection caused by coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) at medical examination and treatment establishments, which takes effect on the signing date.
