Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc demanded prosecution of all illegal entrants, especially those who try to bring foreigners into Viet Nam illegally. 

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc presides over a virtual meeting between
the Government and localities on Covid-19 response on August 2, 2020.
Photo: VGP

Adressing a meeting on Covid-19 prevention and control on Sunday afternoon, the Government chief tasked the Ministry of Health, Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Public Security and provincial People’s Committees nationwide to tighten border control.

Phuc also ordered drastic inspection of residential areas as competent forces have found and quarantined dozens of foreign nationals illegally residing there.

The Government decided to temporarily suspended entry of all foreigners since March 22 with exceptions and conditions.

Viet Nam had gone 99 consecutive days without a community transmission case of Covid-19 by last Monday before detecting first community infection case in Da Nang on July 25.

Over the past nine days, the nation confirmed 173 new cases linked to three hospitals in the central city. All the three hospitals are placed under lockdown to contain spread of the virus.

Genetic analysis revealed that a new and more contagious clade of Covid-19 is responsible for the fast increase of cases recently, according to acting Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long.

Statistics showed that around 1.4 million people visited the central city since July 1, of whom about 800,000 went to the city’s hospitals.

Those who had visited the central city are required to declare their health status and are being tested to prevent transmission.

Citizens are encouraged to wear facemasks at public places, on transport means, wash hands with soap or sanitizer, and avoid mass gatherings.

In Da Nang, the municipal authorities imposed social distancing rules, including temporary suspension of festivals, religious rituals, sports events, and non-essential services like karaoke, massage, and discos, since July 26.