PM orders further physical distancing as epidemic risk remains
Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has reiterated his order to
seriously practise physical distancing and wear masks in public places in line
with the Decree No.16, adding that those failing to follow rules will be
strictly punished, because the risk of COVID-19 spread remains.
During a meeting with permanent Government members in Hanoi on April 9, PM Phuc
highlighted the need to consistently prevent, discover, quarantine, zone off,
ward off infection sources and effectively treat patients.
About prevention of external infection sources, the PM asked for continuing to
closely control border areas, limit and prevent foreigners and Vietnamese from
abroad from entering the country, except several special cases. International
flights must continue to be halted, except citizen protection cases that are
allowed by the PM.
Domestic flights must be minimised while overseas Vietnamese were urged not to
return home before April 15. Those who enter the country must be put under
quarantine.
The Foreign Ministry was asked to continue adopting suitable citizen protection
policies The Health Ministry must enhance online health check-ups, and
localities need to take stronger measures to ensure the serious implementation
of Decree No.16.
The leader requested that the army and localities must prepare for quarantine
sites, and continue training officers to cope with contingency cases.
The Health Ministry was assigned to ensure hygiene in quarantine sites and
enough medicines, study the latest and most effective treatment regimes, as
well as offer more training courses on the use of ventilators.
It was also responsible for preventing infection at medical facilities and
protecting health of medical staff who directly combat the epidemic.
The PM directed producing more medical supplies and equipment, as well as
further expanding international cooperation in the field.
He attached importance to promoting scientific research, using information
technology in epidemic prevention and control, and developing digital economy
on the back of the fourth industrial revolution.
According to the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and
Control, the country now has over 6,400 ventilators. More than 70 businesses
are producing medical masks with a daily capacity of 5.72 million and 40,000 N95
masks. However, they are facing difficulties in input materials.
Besides, 40 firms are producing anti-bacterial
cloth masks with total capacity of 7 million units a day. So far they have
produced 30 million such masks, of which 7 million have been exported./.