Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has requested the performance of measures to prevent the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic and curb its spread in the community.

During a meeting between permanent members of the government and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Hanoi on March 20, PM Phuc said the Politburo lauded efforts of the entire Party, people and armed forces in the fight against the epidemic.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc calls for more drastic measures against COVID-19

As the “golden time” to combat COVID-19 is only one week away, the government leader asked for the continued vigilance in the fight against COVID-19.

PM Phuc called on the whole society to switch to online transactions or via mobile phones and limit face-to-face meetings to prevent infections. In crowded or COVID-19 -hit areas, it is a must to wear face masks, he stressed.

The Ministry of Education and Training was required to enhance online teaching while people were urged not to come to karaoke clubs or massage parlours, which he said, should be suspended or even shut down.

The PM ordered raising public awareness of the effort to strengthen their trust, as well as increasing the use of technological advances in the regard.

As the granting of visas to Vietnam will be suspended from 0:00 on March 21, authorities were required to minimise visitor arrivals in Vietnam by air, road or sea, he said.

PM Phuc said the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnamese embassies must encourage overseas Vietnamese to stay in their host countries for treatment if necessary. In case they still want to return home, flights will be arranged at an appropriate time, he said.

According to the government leader, all people entering Vietnam will be quarantined and those violating quarantine regulations will be strictly punished.

The health sector and authorities were asked to promptly discover infection cases to provide treatment, thus minimising deaths.

The PM also agreed with the proposal to pool all possible means and resources, especially humans, to fight the pandemic.

Vietnam has enough food and necessities to meet public demand, he said, stressing that it is prohibited to hoard goods to seek profits from the epidemic.