Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked localities and sectors, especially the health sector, to work harder to prevent a ‘twin disaster’ in Vietnam, while chairing a COVID-19 response meeting in Hanoi on October 19. 

PM nguyen Xuan Phuc chairs a COVID-19 response meeting in Hanoi on October 19.

It is the health sector that must be well prepared for possible spread of COVID-19 outbreaks and other infectious diseases in flood-hit areas, said Phuc, referring to the far-reaching consequences caused by floods in central Vietnam.

Floods and landslides caused by heavy rain during the past two weeks have left more than 100 dead and nearly 100 missing. Hundreds of houses have been submerged and many hectares of rice and subsidiary crops have been ruined in violent floodwaters.

Areas hit by natural disasters, including storms and floods are normally confronted with infectious diseases, especially cholera, after floods, therefore the health sector must stay ready to deal with not only COVID-19 but also infectious diseases, said the PM.

The PM also noted that local people are showing apathy towards COVID-19 prevention and control measures following the containment of the disease in Vietnam. He warned about the possible recurrence of the disease in the coming winter and required localities and people to stay vigilant in all circumstances.

“Without being vigilant and taking strong measures, the epidemic may recur and spread among the community, especially when winter is coming near,” he told the meeting.

Vietnam has gone through 47 consecutive days without new locally transmitted coronavirus cases. It has so far confirmed 1,140 COVID-19 patients, including 1,046 recoveries and 35 fatalities.