Vietnam COVID-19 Updates (Feb 3): 40 new cases, free vaccination may be given to Hanoian
	Health Minister: More drastic measures needed to stem quick spread of Covid-19
	Vietnamese included in languages used by Tokyo coronavirus support centre

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speaks at the Cabinet meeting, Ha Noi, February 2, 2021. Photo: VGP

Speaking at the Cabinet meeting on February 2, he stressed that the most important task is to track individuals who came in close contact with the infected cases, VGP reported.

The Deputy PM voiced support for the Ministry of Health’s proposal to impose mandatory health declaration and those who fail to do so will be strictly fined in order to raise citizens’ sense of responsibility.

Local authorities nationwide must ensure that all citizens wear masks

The two clusters broke out on January 27, resulting in a surge of community cases (272 in nine provinces and cities), mainly attributed to a new variant similar to the UK strain.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long told the meeting that stronger measures should be applied to deal with the development of COVID-19 as it is spreading quickly.

He reported that the ministry has requested all people wear facemasks as a compulsory preventive measure.

Residents fill in health declarations in Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province (Photo: VNA

Meanwhile, Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh said the ministry has worked with the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development to ensure the sufficient supply of farm produce and food while tightening market management to protect stability during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Addressing the regular cabinet meeting for January, the Government leader said the Government has worked hard to fight the pandemic and remove obstacles facing business to promote growth.

The macro-economy has been kept stable thanks to its efforts, while good signs have been seen in budget collections and the stock market, market confidence has been rising, and social welfare has been ensured.

He asked the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) to quickly build a plan of action to realise the resolution released at the 13th National Party Congress and submit it to the National Assembly.

The PM stressed the need to continue extinguishing COVID-19 while avoiding panic, and continuing to implement the “twin” targets. The National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Ministry of Health should design specific plans to give timely direction to localities.

Along with pandemic prevention and control, it is necessary to boost economic growth in the first half of this year, he stressed.

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