Combatting novel Coronavirus (nCoV) epidemic requires concrete and drastic measures, said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam. 

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam (standing) presides over a meetingof
the steering committee for prevention and control of the nCoV epidemic
at the Government Office in Ha Noi on February 1, 2020. Photo: VGP

Dam stressed the point Saturday while chairing a meeting of the steering committee for prevention and control of the epidemic, which was established by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on January 30.

He said the epidemic is still under control in Viet Nam thanks to drastic, active and responsible engagement of all sectors and agencies from central to local levels.

Dam reiterated that fighting the epidemic is the top priority task now, thus all Party committees, authorities and mass organizations at all levels have to demonstrate high readiness and even take into account the worst situation.

Dam, who is head of the steering committee, demanded the competent authorities be transparent and open on all confirmed and suspected infection cases.

The same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed a decision declaring the acute respiratory disease caused by the new Coronavirus (2019-nCoV) an epidemic in Viet Nam./.