Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has requested that every citizen should continue to observe the urgent measures for social distancing whilst remaining vigilant against the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic until at least April 15.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc urges every citizen to continue to observe
the urgent measures implemented on social distancing 

The request comes following the government chief taking part in a recent cabinet meeting regarding COVID-19 prevention and control.

PM Phuc reviewed anti-epidemic strategies, and the timely and effective application of a range of measures imposed as the spread of the virus developed. Most notably, wide-ranging social distancing measures have yielded encouraging results by bringing the epidemic under stricter control.

Despite this, there remains a high risk of the COVID-19 spreading among communities throughout the country, adding that all ministries, sectors, and localities are urged to continue persisting with the strict implementation of epidemic preventive measures.

The cabinet leader has assigned the Ministry of Health with focusing on the early detection of new infections and outbreaks, carrying out zoning plans to isolate areas in order to curb the epidemic in a fast and effective manner, and to continue promoting citizens completing medical declarations.

The PM underscored the need to enhance testing capacity in localities as a means of ensuring that examinations and treatments are carried out at health facilities in order to prevent disease transmission.

At present, the main focus of efforts should be on enhancing the training of medical workers to use ventilators, build better treatment facilities, prepare human resources, supplies, and medical equipment in the event of further widespread epidemic outbreaks. Moreover, it is possible that in the immediate future it will be essential to suspend the export of drugs used to treat the COVID-19 while importing a range of necessary medicines to ensure medical professionals have sufficient supplies for treatment, PM Phuc added.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade has been requested to be proactive in boosting the production of medical equipment, tools, and supplies, including masks and ventilators.

Furthermore, it is imperative to continue increasing international co-operation, providing support, and exporting aid in the form of medical equipment, supplies, and different types of masks to help neighbouring counties such as Laos and Cambodia.

PM Phuc also underscored the necessity of placing an importance on communications to provide citizens with updated information regarding developments of the epidemic. This will ultimately serve to win people’s trust in anti-epidemic measures, whilst simultaneously promoting scientific research to produce diagnostic bio-products, in addition to other essential supplies and medical equipment used to halt the spread of the epidemic.