WHO: Vietnam should continue alcohol test amid nCoV fear

An official from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam advised Vietnam to continue checking drivers’ alcohol level amidst fear of coronavirus (nCoV), according to Vice Chairman of the National Committee on Traffic Safety Khuat Viet Hung.
Checking alcohol level in Ninh Binh province (Photo:VNA)
Checking alcohol level in Ninh Binh province (Photo:VNA)

An official from the World Health Organization (WHO) in Vietnam advised Vietnam to continue checking drivers’ alcohol level amidst fear of coronavirus (nCoV), according to Vice Chairman of the National Committee on Traffic Safety Khuat Viet Hung.

Hung said in a letter sent to him, WHO Chief Representative in Vietnam Kidong Park  gave recommendations on the implementation of the Road Traffic Law and other regulations, including the prohibition of driving with an alcohol concentration in blood or breath.

Park emphasized the need to take appropriate protective measures to ensure safety and reduce the risk of disease transmission to law enforcement officials, drivers and the community whenever checking alcohol level.

The WHO has issued basic recommendations to the public, including tips on how to drive safely amid the outbreak of the acute respiratory disease caused by nCoV, he said.

Traffic police should wear medical masks and be equipped with alcohol-based hand sanitizer; and it must be ensured that alcohol estimating equipment is used by a single traffic police officer in each shift to avoid cross-contamination.

Alcohol breathalyser must be disinfected before, during and after each work shift with alcohol solution. Police ought to use one device for each person, and those used should be collected and disposed appropriately.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.