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Ca Mau competent forces carry out epidemiological investigation of cases in close contact with suspected patients. (Photo:Nhandan)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc issued directive No.44/CT-TTg urging ministries and government agencies to ensure a safe and happy Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday, Vietnam’s largest festive period, for all.

The PM asked the Ministry of Health to remain alert against the Covid-19 and other diseases that are common in the winter-spring seasons, as well as coming up with plans in case of Covid-19 resurgence.

All checkpoints at borders and airports are required to strictly comply with anti-virus protocols, noted the directive.

The ministry strongly recommended the implementation of anti-epidemic measures during the peak campaign from now to the 2021 Lunar New Year, focusing especially on migration control.

It asked health departments across the nation to strengthen the inspection and supervision of immigration and medical quarantine procedures for early detection and timely handling of infected cases (if any) so as to not let the epidemic spread into the community, while continuing to direct subordinate units to thoroughly grasp and strictly implement the Prime Minister's requirements on strengthening the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control, said the nhandan.

Health care units were urged to develop and implement specific epidemic prevention and control plans and scenarios, focusing on sample taking and testing when outbreaks occur, while continuing to expand testing for suspected cases and organising drills and training for medical staff.

Medical facilities were also asked to closely coordinate with management units of isolation camps to resolutely not let the epidemic spread in the quarantine facilities and from there to the community.

Hang Luoc flower market during festive period. Photo: hanoitimes.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT) is tasked with cooperating with local provinces/cities in promoting domestic consumption, while ensuring sufficient supplies of basic necessities to meet local demands during the final month of the year and in the Lunar New Year period, according to the hanoitimes.

The MoIT should give priority in protecting customers rights and timely identify market violations, especially regarding the sale of smuggled, fake, banned or low-quality products.

The PM requested customs authorities to tighten border control and prevent illegal cross-border smuggling of goods and products.

The Ministry of Finance (MoF) is responsible for monitoring the market prices, particularly basic necessities under the price stabilization program.

The Ministry of Agricultural and Rural Development (MARD) should step up preparation against potential bad weather and diseases to ensure continuity in production and meet growing demands at the year-end period.

The Ministry of Labor, War Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA) should provide support and care for social beneficiaries and poor households to ensure a happy holiday for all people.

Given the huge traffic movement during the Lunar New Year, the Ministry of Transport is urged to manage transportation activities in an efficient manner and avoid cases of people unable to return to their hometown due to the lack of services.

Also, leaders of the capital city of Hanoi have asked localities to strengthen measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 pandemic ahead of the year-end occasions.

Along with the strict implementation of directions of the Prime Minister and city leaders in pandemic prevention, the localities should increase communications and ask locals to wear face masks at public places, requested Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Chu Xuan Dung.

Along with the strict implementation of directions of the Prime Minister and city leaders in pandemic prevention, the localities should increase communications and ask locals to wear face masks at public places, requested Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Chu Xuan Dung.Photo: VNA

He asked localities that plan to perform fireworks on the New Year’s eve to design specific plans to ensure top safety against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, it is necessary to prepare scenarios to protect the safety for delegates to the 13th National Party Congress, which is slated for late January 2021 in the city, he stressed. Alongside, local healthcare, tourism, public security, and transport sectors as well as the Capital Military High Command to roll out pandemic prevention measures ahead of the event, said VNA.

Particularly, the city Department of Health was directed to coordinate with other relevant departments and agencies to build responding plans for different development levels of the pandemic, while preparing human resources and equipment for COVID-19 prevention activities and in case of an outbreak.

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