Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on March 26 expressed his concerns about the complex developments of the novel coronavirus, including signs of community acquired infection, and requested more resolute prevention measures.

Given the current context, the primary task now is to early detect, isolate, cordon off epidemic affected areas and protect people’s health, PM Dung told a coronavirus prevention meeting in Hanoi. 

The primary task now is to pool all resources for
the COVID-19 fight, says PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc

He asked administrations of all levels to temporarily suspend meetings and events of up to 20 people scheduled to take place in the next 2 weeks.

He also urged the closure of business venues providing non-essential services such as massage parlours, discotheques, tourist sites, cinemas, and restaurants.

For centrally-run cities of Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Da Nang and Can Tho, the PM ordered the closure of all services, except for establishments that provide food, medicine and medical check-ups.

He asked for rearrangement of public transport services, including air travel restrictions from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to other localities in the country.

The PM also instructed the Ministry of Defence to expand quarantine areas in the Central and South-western regions so that they are capable of accommodating more quarantined people.

Those who dodge quarantine, hoard daily necessities and medical equipment, and circulate inaccurate information will be subject to stiff punitive measures, including criminal charges to be filed, said Prime Minister Phuc.

The Government leader instructed the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Health to discuss the setting up of more field hospitals if necessary.