Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday allowed localities to impose strong measures, including social distancing, to effectively contain the spread of COVID-19.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs a meeting on COVID-19 response,
Ha Noi, February 8, 2021. Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu

The Government chief spoke highly of the efforts made by the health sector, competent forces and local authorities in deploying drastic and creative measures to control COVID-19 outbreaks in the northern provinces of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh.

However, another cluster has been reported in Ho Chi Minh City-the country’s biggest economic locomotive, with 28 cases as of 3:00 pm on Monday.

Given the situation, PM Phuc asked HCMC authorities to stay calm and take drastic actions to contain the outbreak while encouraging residents to follow the Ministry of Health’s 5K (in Vietnamese) message: Khau trang (facemask) – Khu khuan (disinfection) – Khoang cach (distance) – Khong tu tap (no gathering) – Khai bao y te (health declaration).

He welcomed the decision made by HCMC and Ha Noi administrations to cancel fireworks shows on the upcoming Lunar New Year’s Eve to limit crowds.

The PM also called on localities to encourage workers, including business owners to refrain from travelling during the Lunar New Year holiday in a bid to help prevent spread of the pandemic.

He agreed with the Ministry of Health’s proposal to ramp up COVID-19 testing in high-risk areas./.

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