HCMC – The prime minister has instructed localities to continue adopting Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures and ordered Hanoi and HCMC authorities to make wearing face masks in public mandatory.
In an announcement released by the Government Office on the conclusions of the prime minister on Covid-19 infection and control at a regular meeting on October 19, the prime minister said that provinces and cities must make wearing face masks in public and on public transport vehicles compulsory. HCMC and Hanoi City have to be the first to do it.
Apart from this, the authorities, agencies and organizations, especially schools, hospitals and residential areas, should not be inattentive and negligent in the fight against the coronavirus, according to the prime minister.
In addition, the authorities and competent forces should continue to closely monitor imported cases to Vietnam to avoid community transmission of Covid-19, the disease caused by the coronavirus.
Aside from wearing face masks in public, residents should continue washing their hands regularly and keeping their distance from others in public places, while competent forces should impose harsh sanctions on those caught violating Covid-19 infection prevention regulations.
Border guards have been ordered to continue tightening control over immigration at border gates to prevent illegal entry. Besides, those who enter Vietnam for short stays should restrict the use of karaoke, bar and nightclub services, the local media reported.
Also, the prime minister asked localities from the provincial to commune levels to prepare for response scenarios to effectively prevent the spread of Covid-19 if any case is detected.
Further, the ministries of Foreign Affairs, Health and Transport should continue their close collaboration to reach a consensus over the resumption of commercial international flights and report the conclusions and plans to deputy prime ministers Pham Binh Minh and Vu Duc Dam for consideration.
Vietnam has not yet determined when to open its doors to international tourists, the prime minister said.
