Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has required the Ministry of Health to speed up COVID-19 treatment training, building field hospitals, and manufacturing more medical equipment, especially ventilators as the risk of widespread community transmission still remains.

The Government will consider offering medical supplies to such strategic
partners as the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

The Government chief said the COVID-19 fight is at "decisive stage" in Viet Nam, thus authorities at all levels, particularly big cities are requested to implement the adopted preventive measures, including his recent directive, in a drastic, serious, and responsible manner.

Phuc demands strict punishment, even criminal prosecution on those who fail or refuse to make inaccurate health declaration or do not wear mask at public places or intentionally violate the current regulations on COVID-19 prevention.

He called on the countrymen to continue consolidating solarity and joining hands with competent authorities to push back the pandemic through various actions, including social distancing.

Localities, especially big cities must ensure adequate food and essential goods for all scenarios and take care of the poor, PM Phuc said.

Foreigners violating Viet Nam’s regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control will be expelled in line with the nation's law. 

He tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work with the Ministry of Health to handle with other countries’ proposals on cooperation in response to the COVID-19 to promote the role and status of Viet Nam as the current Chair of ASEAN and the non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council.

Phuc said the Government will consider offering medical supplies to such strategic partners as the UK, France, Germany, Italy and Spain.

As of 4 pm on March 5, Viet Nam confirmed 240 COVID-19 infection cases, of whom 90 have been cleared of the virus and exited hospitals./.