Deputy PM asks for vigilance against COVID-19 relapse

Taking sample for COVID-19 testing (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - Ministries and localities must remain vigilant in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and maintain achievements already made, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has stressed.

In a document directing the strengthening of pandemic prevention and control efforts, the Deputy PM noted that the number of COVID-19 cases around the world has yet to decline while the risk of a relapse in the winter months is high in places with poor prevention measures.

Though largely brought under control in Vietnam, another outbreak could well happen if activities to prevent its spread are not sufficiently strong, he said.

He underlined the need for localities, ministries, and sectors to strictly follow directions on pandemic prevention and control. Foreigners entering the country must complete health declarations and be quarantined, and undergo post-quarantine health supervision in line with regulations, he stressed.

He asked the Ministry of Health to quickly complete a health management system for people entering the country from abroad, while requesting local administrations at all levels to direct local healthcare sectors to maintain a close watch on health conditions.
It is necessary to ensure that all healthcare facilities and nursing homes apply pandemic prevention measures. Those failing to follow regulations must be shut down, he said.

The Deputy PM asked the Ministry of Health to coordinate with other ministries and sectors to update guidelines on pandemic prevention and control for schools, accommodation facilities, public transport service providers, factories, and offices.

Meanwhile, it is crucial to complete the COVID-19 Tracker Map and keep it regularly updated.

He also requested the ministry and People’s Committees in provinces and centrally-run cities to promptly finalise the formation of electronic health records for all citizens, support the identification of groups vulnerable to COVID-19, and speed up the application of remote health examinations and online examinations./.