To ensure optimal utilisation of resources to provide care to COVID-19 patients amid a rise in cases, the Da Nang Department of Health has issued the guidance for classification of COVID-19 hospitalisations in line with the Ministry of Health’s guidelines.

The move came after Da Nang has witnessed steep rise in COVID-19 cases over recent days with 99% of the cases being asymptomatic.

The COVID-19 pandemic required careful management of hospital admissions in a bid to reduce the pressure on local health system while facing limitations in resources.

COVID-19 patients who are older adults aged over 65 years old or babies at three months of age or younger, those aged 50 to 64 vaccinated with just one dose, pregnant women, mothers after birth up to. 6 weeks (42 days), along with those presenting an oxygen peripheral saturation (SpO2) between 94% and 96% are eligible for hospital admissions. In addition, patients requiring emergency care, those with underlying health conditions, and people with moderate to severe COVID-19 will be admitted to hospital for treatment.

For other special cases, staff of medical stations at ward, commune and district level will consult with their colleagues in the Da Nang General Hospital, the Lung Hospital, and the Hoa Vang District Medical Center to decide to transfer them to a healthcare facility for treatment.

Patients not presenting the above-mentioned criteria remain in their home with an intensive monitoring protocol.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – translating by H.L