Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc says that the country now has 15 days or more than that to fight against the pandemic, striving to prevent its wide spread to protect health and lives of people. (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – The most important task at this crucial time is promoting the unity, solidarityand cooperation of all people throughout the country to cope with any pandemicsituation, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at a teleconference with fivecentrally-run cities – Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Can Tho and Da Nangon March 29.
Winning the pandemic inbig cities will be the success of the whole nation, he said, adding that thecentrally-run cities, particularly the capital city of Hanoi and the southerneconomic hub of Ho Chi Minh City, have drastically taken measures againstCOVID-19.
He stressed that thenext 15 days will be the crucial time to determine the success of theanti-coronavirus combat.
Underlining theimportant role of localities in the fight, the PM said their proposals andreports have helped the Government and the National Steering Committee forCOVID-19 Prevention and Control put forth practical measures against thepandemic.
He spoke highly of the health sector and localities for treating COVID-19cases, especially critically ill ones. So far, Vietnam has recorded no death,he said.
Seriously following the Prime Minister’s directions, localities have carriedout effectively quarantine, social distancing, and closure of unecessaryservices, while maintaining the supply of essential goods for people.
Cities have also beenpaying more attention to the spiritual life of health workers and those whodirectly engage in the battle such as public security and military forces, Phucsaid.
The Government leaderhailed the communication sector for handling false information, especially fakenews on social media.
He asked ministries,departments and localities to heighten vigilance in the spirit of “fighting thepandemic is like fighting the enemy.”
The PM recalled the 12day-and-night victory of Dien Bien Phu in the Air in 1972, stressing that thecountry now has 15 days or more than that to fight against the pandemic,striving to prevent its wide spread to protect health and lives of people.
This is a heavyresponsibility but honour of the whole political system, he said.
He suggested buildingspecific solutions for each city based on the developments of the disease,focusing on inspections of high-risk infection places such as buildings,offices, residential areas, markets, shopping centres, hospitals, and urbanareas.
The PM ordered strongand comprehensive measures to stem the outbreaks at Bach Mai Hospital in Hanoiand Buddha Bar in Ho Chi Minh City.
Praising the efforts ofthe health sector, the PM requested it to improve the on-the-spot testingcapacity, deliver rapid diagnosis of suspected cases, and raise treatmentcapacity of medical facilities at all levels, provide training for doctors andnurses, even retired ones, as well as stand ready to cope with the worstsituation.
He agreed to suspendflights to Vietnam and minimise the number of flights to and from Hanoi and HoChi Minh City during the next two weeks, excluding special ones.
The PM asked theMinistry of Transport to tighten medical control and limit the number ofpassengers on trains and cars.
He also asked thehealth, military, public security and border guard sectors and localities topay more attention to the safety of those who are on the frontlines of the COVID-19fight.
It is necessary toensure social welfare for workers at industrial parks and remove difficultiesfor businesses, he said.
Major cities shouldcontinue reducing business services, simplifying administrative procedures, andpromoting the use of online public services during the next 15 days, he added.
As of 6:30pmon March 29, Vietnam reported 188 cases positive for SARS-CoV-2, of whom 25have recovered and left hospital./.
VNA
