Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc called on authorities at all levels to step up efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic as protection of citizens’ health and lives is the “supreme” goal. 

He hailed the drastic attitude and serious efforts of the subordinate levels in tracing, tracking and dealing with the two biggest COVID-19 clusters at Ha Noi’s Bach Mai Hospital and Ho Chi Minh City’s Buddha Bar.

This is the stage that requires aggregate strength as well as smooth and serious coordination to stem importation of cases while tracking all domestic infections as fast as possible, the Government chief stressed.

The Ministry of Health was urged to complete preparations for possible complicated situations, accelerate manufacturing of preventive gear, and develop a plan for production of respirators.

The Government chief praised impressive generosity of the countrymen from the North to the South for having offered financial support for the fight against the pandemic.

In tandem with the COVID-19 fight, Phuc also asked for taking care of the poor in a faster and more timely manner to leave no one hungry.

As of 7:56 pm on Friday, Viet Nam confirmed 237 COVID-19 infection cases, of whom 221 have been reported since March 6.

Of the patient tally, 85 have recovered and exited hospitals while the rest are being treated at 21 medical facilities across the nation, according to the Ministry of Health./.