Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (centre) chairs the meeting in Hanoi on March 23 (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam is entering the third phaseof the COVID-19 fight as risks of community spread are high, and the next 20 –25 days are a big challenge to the country’s efforts in combating the disease,Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on March 23.
Chairing the meeting between the Government’spermanent members and the national steering committee for the COVID-19 fight,he said in this third phase, there are more people in quarantine.
He voicedconcern about the fact that large gatherings still occur. Besides, there arealso infection risks among those at quarantine centres.
Requesting stronger actions, PM Phuc orderedclose control of exit and entry by road, railway and air be continued,concentrated quarantine pushed ahead regardless of how much it costs theState, self-quarantine ensured in line with regulations, and safety formedical workers and other staff engaging in the combat guaranteed.
He stressed that the next 20 – 25 days are a bigchallenge to the fight in the country, so concerted and stronger measures mustbe taken.
The leader appreciated moves by all-levelauthorities, sectors and the whole political system in the recent past,considering the unanimity, joint efforts, seriousness and robustness,particularly the coordination from the public, as critically important to thefight.
PM Phuc further requested unnecessary services,especially restaurant and karaoke ones, to be shut down so as to minimisecrowded gatherings, and called on places of worship not to organise events witha large number of people.
Regarding air transportation, he assigned the Ministryof Transport to take effective measures, even banning flights to Vietnam ifnecessary, while closely controlling domestic flights as well as rail and roadtransport to prevent virus spread.
He also told the Ministry of Health to promptlypurchase quick test kits and carry out rapid testing at quarantine centres andin the community to screen infected people and minimise infection risks.
As of March 23 evening, the number of COVID-19patients in Vietnam had reached 122, 17 of whom have recovered./.
VNA
