PM urges stronger efforts against nCoV

Vietnamese returning from China will be quarantined for 14 days. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – has emphasised the need to
reduce mass gatherings as Vietnam is ramping up efforts to cope with the threat
of the novel (nCoV).

In
recently-issued on intensifying the prevention and
control of the virus, the Government leader asked nCoV-affected provinces to
stop all festivals, even ongoing ones, and close schools.

The
notice was sent to relevant ministries and People’s Committees of centrally-run
cities and provinces, after the declaration of the acute respiratory disease
caused by 2019-nCoV an epidemic in Vietnam on February 1 by the PM.

In
the notice, PM Phuc required the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work with
competent Chinese agencies on countermeasures and the repatriation of
Vietnamese citizens in China via the international border gates of Huu Nghi in
Lang Son province, Lao Cai in the namesake province, Mong Cai in Quang Ninh
province, Tay Trang in Dien Bien province and Thanh Thuy in Ha Giang province.

The
ministry is also asked to coordinate with the Ministries of National Defence
and Public Security to facilitate the repatriation of Chinese nationals.

The
Ministry of National Defence is instructed to join hands with concerned ministries
and border provinces to closely monitor the exit and entry of passengers at border
gates.

The
Health Ministry needs to coordinate with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs,
National Defence and Public Security, and relevant provincial People’s
Committees to quarantine Vietnamese returning from China for 14 days, the PM
said.

Other
tasks include stepping up prevention drills and preparing necessary
medical equipment and medicines.

The
Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs was assigned to review the
number of Vietnamese labourers in China, and report it to the Ministries of
Foreign Affairs, National Defene, Public Security and Health, and localities in
order to chart plans in case the labourers need to be repatriated, while
guiding localities and businesses that employ Chinese labourers to take
countermeasures.

Medical
stores that hike up prices of health equipment and those who spread false
information about the epidemic must be strictly punished, including legal
proceedings if necessary, in line with the law.  

PM
Phuc asked localities to instruct people to wear face masks at public areas and
on transport means and disinfect community places, especially schools, markets,
supermarkets, coach and railway stations, and apartment buildings./.