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Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at a meeting between permanent Cabinet members and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on February 8. Photo: VGP

Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City would impose social distancing in certain areas given the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said on February 8.

Speaking at a meeting between permanent Cabinet members and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, the leader urged Hanoi, HCM City, Hai Phong, and other major cities where COVID-19 cases have been detected to employ strong measures in order to prevent the pandemic spread effectively in the community.

Amidst the appearance of new cases in HCM City which are expected to rise following mass testing, the PM asked local authorities to play a more active role, encouraging people to follow COVID-19 prevention and control measures, including wearing facemasks and avoiding big gatherings.

He ordered limiting travel during the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, and preparing resources, including medical supplies, food, and COVID-19 hospitals, in case the situation worsens.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at a meeting between permanent Cabinet members and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on February 8. Photo: VGP

Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, Gia Lai, and Hai Phong will continue with proposed plans, while Hanoi and HCM City need to identify their own way forward in this regard.

Stronger alertness among medical and political systems and the public is needed, he said, calling on the media to play a more active role in the fight.

Regarding COVID-19 vaccine, the PM agreed with the health ministry’s proposal to buy the one produced by the AstraZeneca Group and begin injections in the first quarter of this year.

The Minister of Health will be responsible for selecting partners, vaccines, as well as those to be vaccinated, with funding coming from the State, according to the Government leader.

He also asked relevant forces, most notably the police, army, and market management forces, to step up measures to ensure security and order.

People arrive at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in HCMC, March 18, 2020. Photo: VnExpress

“We will win if we stay calm and resolved, and take timely actions,” PM Phuc said, emphasizing the need to maintain vigilance during the combat.

At the meeting, the Ministry of Health pointed out the high risk of the pandemic spreading as there remain sources of infections yet to be detected in major cities, especially in baggage and cargo handling services at HCM City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

It reported that all 7,300 employees at the airport have been tested and five of them were positive for the coronavirus. Twenty-four related cases were also found later.

The pandemic has been basically contained in the northern provinces of Quang Ninh and Hai Duong, where the first cases in the latest outbreak were recorded, and most other cities and provinces, the ministry said./.

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