HCMC – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said Vietnam has basically successfully contained the novel coronavirus, which caused Covid-19, as the country reported no new infections in the community for 12 consecutive days at a meeting on April 28.
With 270 reported Covid-19 cases over a population of some 100 million, Vietnam has one of the lowest infection ratios in the world. Of the total, 230 patients have recovered while active cases are being treated at eight hospitals and medical centers, according to data of the national steering committee for Covid-19 prevention and control.
The country currently has 112 real-time PCR laboratories for coronavirus testing, with a total capacity of testing 27,000 samples per day.
Phuc said the country has effectively implemented low-cost and appropriate Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures that are highly appraised by other countries and international organizations. The country is now relaxing social distancing and other restrictions to help the economy rebound.
The prime minister allowed businesses to export face masks with unlimited quantity since the country has produced enough masks for domestic demand and donation to other virus-hit countries. Based on the Covid-19 situation and domestic demand, the Government will apply appropriate measures to ensure sufficient supply of face masks.
Leaders of cities and provinces should not apply preventive measures that are stricter than the prime minister’s requirements and support hardest-hit sectors such as tourism, catering service, hospitality and aviation. Domestic air routes as well as railway and road transport need to be resumed gradually.
Phuc stressed that although Covid-19 has been basically fought off in Vietnam, the people should not be careless and had better continue practicing basic preventive measures and avoid large gatherings, especially during the upcoming Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labor Day (May 1).
Crowded places such as industrial zones, markets, supermarkets and schools still have to comply with basic Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures.
