Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health Announces Position on Omicron XEC Variant
— Announcement of Guidelines for COVID-19 Response and Omicron XEC Variant for 2025 —
On May 20, 2025, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health chaired a meeting to analyze the COVID-19 situation and discuss response measures with the Centers for Disease Control (TPHCM CDC), Tropical Hospital, Nhi Dong 1 Hospital, Oxford University Clinical Research Unit (OUCRU), and experts in infectious diseases.
The Department stated, "The Omicron XEC variant is not a newly emerged variant virus; it has already been reported globally since June 2024 and is currently widespread worldwide." The World Health Organization (WHO) has also designated this variant as a 'Variant Under Monitoring' (VUM) and assessed its risk level as low.
Accordingly, the Department has announced the following preventive guidelines for citizens:
[Guidelines for Preventive Measures for Individuals with Suspected COVID-19 Symptoms]
Strictly adhere to personal infection prevention measures:
- Self-monitor health status
- Wear masks when going out and in contact with others
- Minimize contact with others
- Ensure hand hygiene and thorough disinfection of contact surfaces (using soap and water or hand sanitizer)
Early diagnostic testing is recommended for high-risk groups such as:
- Elderly individuals, those with severe underlying conditions (diabetes, heart disease, etc.), immunocompromised individuals, pregnant women, etc.
When going out:
- Wear a mask, wash hands thoroughly, minimize contact
If self-test results are positive:
- Immediately notify the local health center (commune or ward health center) for guidance and support
Source: Vietnam Legal Information Portal (Thư viện Pháp luật)
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