PM calls for strong local COVID-19 response

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, and other major cities where COVID-19 cases
have been confirmed should take to effectively prevent the
spread of the pandemic within the community,
said on February 8.

Such measures
include social distancing in line with the PM’s Directives No 15 and 16 in case
of a worsening situation, the PM said at an online meeting of permanent Cabinet
members.

The Ministry of
Health (MoH) pointed out the high risk of the pandemic spreading as there
remain sources of infections yet to be detected in major cities, especially in baggage
and cargo handling services at HCM City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

It reported that
all 7,300 employees at the airport have been tested and five of them were positive
for the coronavirus. Twenty-four related cases were also found later.

The pandemic has
been basically contained in the northern provinces of Quang Ninh and Hai Duong, where the
first cases in the latest outbreak were recorded, and most other cities and
provinces, the ministry said.

Phuc asked HCM
City and the ministry to play a more active role in the fight and encourage
people to follow COVID-19 prevention and control measures, including wearing
facemasks and avoiding mass gatherings.

Travel during the
Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday should be limited, he said, urging localities to
prepare resources, including medical supplies, food, and COVID-19 hospitals in
case the situation worsens.

Hai Duong, Quang
Ninh, Gia Lai, and Hai Phong will continue with proposed plans, while Hanoi and
HCM City need to identify their own way forward in this regard, according to
the leader.

Social distancing
should be imposed when necessary, he said, ordering stronger alertness among medical
and political systems and the public, as well as an active role from the media
in the fight.

The PM agreed with
the ministry’s proposal to buy vaccine produced by the AstraZeneca
Group and begin injections in the first quarter.

The MoH and its
minister are responsible for selecting partners, vaccines, and those to be vaccinated,
with funding coming from the State, he said.

He also asked relevant
forces, most notably the police, army, and market management forces, to step up
measures to ensure security and order./.