Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on July 25 called on Vietnamese citizens to remain calm and avoid complacency after a new community case of the novel coronavirus was confirmed in the country after 99 consecutive days.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc advises people to stay calm and strictly follow the healthcare
sector's COVID-19 prevention and control measures after a new community case
is detected in the country (Photo: VGP)

The 57-year-old patient, a resident of Da Nang, was confirmed to have tested positive for COVID-19 by the Ministry of Health on July 25 following five tests. 

Upon the detection of the latest case, the PM requested the Ministry of Health and Da Nang authorities to speed up contact tracing and conduct massive testing in an effort to detect and isolate suspect cases as early as possible to nip any potential local outbreak in the bud. 

Moreover, PM Phuc also assigned the Ministry of Health to dispatch experienced doctors to Da Nang in order to help treat patients currently on a ventilator due to respiratory failure. 

He requested various ministries, agencies, localities, and people to strictly abide by COVID-19 prevention and control measures as the country moves into a new normal. Local residents are therefore encouraged to wear face masks in public places and thoroughly wash their hands with soap, water, or sanitiser, all of which are considered effective solutions to keep the virus at bay. 

The PM also stressed the need to tighten control of border gates, open crossings, and paths to prevent people from entering the country illegally. In line with this, the Ministry of Public Security has been permitted to clarify and prosecute groups or organsations that are involved in illegally trafficking people into Vietnamese territory.

According to the Government leader, it can be considered necessary to boost the spread of information among citizens to help the public actively implement preventive measures while simultaneously not creating unnecessary panic. 

Meanwhile, the ministries of Defense, Public Security, and Foreign Affairs have been directed to keep a close watch on any new cases entering the country, by conducting medical check-ups, quarantine procedures, and closely monitoring cases in an attempt to ensure no infections are detected in quarantine facilities. 

Those who enter the nation illegally should immediately be considered as suspect cases, meaning they must be subject to medical quarantine, he added. 

The PM reminded designated agencies to create conditions suitable for foreign diplomats and specialists to enter the country, along with allowing Vietnamese citizens left stranded overseas to return to the nation. 

During a meeting held in Hanoi on July 24, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, who is also head of the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control, said the fight against COVID-19 has yet to be concluded. Therefore, localities should be highly vigilant of a possible recurrence of the virus within communities.   

Deputy PM Dam added that Vietnam has succeeded in bringing the epidemic under control in recent months, and this valuable experience is set to help the country effectively respond to any future cases.