Vietnam Red Cross Society volunteers distribute medical masks and leaflets on coronavirus epidemic prevention in Hanoi on February 7, 2020. (Photo Thanh Hai/VNS )

The move was part of the group's communication campaign to strengthen the awareness of Red Cross members, volunteers and the community on the coronavirus epidemic and disease prevention measures. Also at the launch ceremony, the VNRC experts organised a demonstration to instruct people on how to correctly use the masks and wash their hands. Nguyen Thi Xuan Thu, President of the Vietnam Red Cross Society, said: "Local Red Cross associations at all levels have been tasked with raising the public awareness on the danger of Coronavirus and how to prevent the virus at home and in community. Communications activities are of great importance to help people better understand the proper ways to protect themselves.”

The society also provided more than 47,000 USD for nine provinces and cities, including Khanh Hoa, Thanh Hoa, Vinh Phuc, Ho Chi Minh city, Hanoi, Da Nang, Lao Cai, Quang Ninh, and Lang Son, to implement communication activities and raise awareness about epidemic prevention and healthcare for the community.