Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said the COVID-19 pandemic remains complicated but under control, even in hot spots like Da Nang, Quang Nam and Hai Duong. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs a meeting on COVID-19
response on August 21, 2020. Photo: VGP

Concluding a meeting on COVID-19 response on Friday, Phuc said we have learnt lessons from the third phase of COVID-19 fight, which include fast and massive testing, introduction of contract-tracing apps like Bluezone, timely communication strategy, public support, and drastic involvement of the whole political system.

Regarding the Bluezone app, Minister of Information and Communications Nguyen Manh Hung announced that over 20 million people have downloaded Bluezone app, helping the front-liners to precisely detect 1,400 persons coming in contact with COVID-19 patients.

Authorities from central to local levels have issued instructions to ensure pandemic containment in tandem with economic recovery, PM Phuc added.

He ordered all levels and sectors, especially healthcare sector, to stay focused and try their best to prevent spread of the virus to communities as this is a long-term fight until drugs and vaccines are available.

The Government chief called for enhancing testing capacity and simplifying testing procedures while the health sector needs to focus on highly risky groups, including sick persons and the elderly, and prevent COVID-19 outbreaks at medical facilities.

He demanded strict border control and punishment of hotel owners and those who illegally bring foreigners into the country.