The Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) requested on December 2 that all educational institutions, including vocational training schools, strictly implement COVID-19 prevention and control measures in an effort to ensure places of learning are kept safe.

Amid possible spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus to the community, students must limit gathering in large crowds as part of the 5K message recommended by the Ministry of Health, the MoET said.

Furthermore, it is the responsibility of schools to make sure all materials are kept hygienic, including equipment to measure the temperature of pupils, bottles of hand sanitiser, clean water, and soap which can be used to wash hands.

Any suspected COVID-19 involving individuals showing symptoms of fever, a cough, or suffering from a shortness of breath, should be swiftly reported by schools to local healthcare agencies in order to carry out timely solutions.

The MoET has also asked information technology applications to be used in an effort to promote safety at schools amid fears surrounding COVID-19, while also participating in e-learning activities through their website.

The MoET gave instructions following the recent resurgence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in the local community of Ho Chi Minh City. Four COVID-19 patients have been confirmed so far. The city has tracked down, quarantined and tested thousands of people who had direct and indirect contacts with the cases. Among them are several teachers and students.

Tens of thousands of students have been forced to stay off school in an attempt to prevent the virus further spreading to the wider community.  

The Ministry of Health has recently delivered the 5K message to prevent COVID-19 spreading among the community. It has advised people to (1) wear face masks, (2) wash hands with soap or sanitizer, (3) keep a safe distance; (4) not to gather in large crowds, and (5) make health declaration.