Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently issued Directive 19, outlining the continued implementation of a range of measures to halt the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) amid a new context of increased economic and social activity.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc orders the continued implementation
of measures to slow the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19)

Despite enjoying initial success through epidemic control, the pandemic is continuing to develop in a complicated manner, coupled a range of potential risks.

The latest Directive sees PM Phuc ask ministries, ministry-level offices, various People’s Committees of provinces, and centrally-run cities to uphold the stance of “fighting the pandemic as if fighting an enemy”. 

He called on the entire political system and people to continue with all-out efforts to combat the epidemic, whilst simultaneously carrying on to develop production and business activities, noting that Party officials and members, as well as state employees must take the lead by setting an exemplary example in their work.

Sanitary work must be prioritised, while festivals, religious, and sporting events remain suspended under the directive. Elsewhere, tourist sites and business establishments, with the exception of those providing non-essential services, can resume operation in tandem with increased safety measures. This is also applicable to public passenger transport services.

As for teaching school children, this should be conducted both online and at schools, the directive confirms.

PM Phuc has considered and decided on the risk levels of each province and central-level city, with proposals made by the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

In the directive, the PM assigned specific tasks to the Ministries of Health, National Defence, Public Security, Foreign Affairs, Industry and Trade, Information and Communications, Science and Technology, and others, to continue the fight against the COVID-19 fight whilst attempting to bring business activities back to normal.

The cabinet leader also requested that the Vietnam Fatherland Front and social organisations unite with administrations to incentivise people to become actively involved in national efforts to stop the spread of the COVID-19, whilst also trying to boost the economy.