24 provinces and cities propose extending social distancing until the end of April

Accordingly, 24 provinces and cities proposed to continue social distancing until the end of April; 3 localities proposed to continue social distancing for at least 1 more week; 2 provinces proposed to continue social distancing until there are no more secondary infections; 3 provinces proposed to distance provinces from each other and 3 provinces proposed to lift social distancing for some provinces that have not had an epidemic.

To prevent the spread of Covid-19, Nghe An has decided to organize a 14-day centralized quarantine for all people entering Nam Can International Border Gate (Ky Son) from 0:00 on March 18. Illustration photo Thanh Cuong

Based on discussion and analysis of risk factors affecting infection, the Steering Committee and experts reached a consensus: Social distancing has a great impact on the rate of disease spread; early application will be more effective; it should continue to be implemented in localities with high risk of infection. Other localities are implementing some measures at a relaxed level.

In addition, unify the application of criteria for classifying provinces, based on epidemiological analysis, factors affecting the epidemic situation, response capacity, population characteristics; traffic; and many foreigners who have visited.

The 7 criteria include: Provinces with special cases of infection, especially new infections; Traffic and travel hubs; Provinces with borders, airports, and many people crossing the border; Provinces with many foreigners who have traveled or resided in the past 2 months; Provinces with industrial parks and factories with many workers; Provinces with a large population; Responses to epidemic prevention and control; readiness of the health system; testing capacity; capacity of staff.

The Steering Committee and experts also agreed to recommend that the Prime Minister continue to direct stronger and more drastic epidemic prevention and control measures; Recommend that the solutions to continue to be implemented must be implemented in all localities according to Directive 15/CT of the Prime Minister.

Agree to recommend that the Prime Minister direct the heads of local Party committees and authorities to decide on the extension of the implementation period, but not exceeding 1/5, based on the actual situation of the localities. The Steering Committee recommends that the Prime Minister continue to direct localities to strictly handle cases of violations of disease prevention and control regulations.

Strengthen discipline, comply with the instructions of the Politburo, the Secretariat, the Government, and the Prime Minister. Direct all localities to continue implementing important epidemic prevention and control measures that are being deployed such as: Limit going out; wear a mask when going out; wash hands regularly, keep a distance of more than 2m from others.

Prohibit mass gatherings (including religious activities), do not conduct non-essential business services... ban entertainment services, continue to close tourist areas. For events serving political purposes (Party Congresses at all levels or important political meetings and events decided by local Party committees and authorities), participants must be medically monitored for 14 days, must not have contact with sources of disease, or travel from epidemic areas; have conditions to conduct testing for participants; practice social distancing in the hall; wear masks; disinfect hands; do not take breaks; do not organize meals; open the meeting room for ventilation...

The heads of provincial Party committees and authorities shall, based on the actual situation in the locality, prescribe additional measures to ensure the dual goal of both disease prevention and socio-economic development. Detect and strictly handle organizations and individuals who violate the regulations under the direction of the Prime Minister and the Central Steering Committee.

Accordingly, localities have been divided into 3 groups: High-risk group, risk group and low-risk group to have appropriate epidemic prevention and control measures accordingly. For the group of 11 high-risk provinces and cities, including: (1) Hanoi, (2) Lao Cai; (3) Quang Ninh, (4) Lang Son; (5) Bac Ninh; (6) Ninh Binh; (6) Da Nang; (7) Quang Nam; (8) Binh Thuan; (9) Khanh Hoa; (10) Ho Chi Minh City; (11) Tay Ninh.

The remaining provinces are in the risk and low risk groups.

There are 4 major activities that are different between the 3 groups mentioned above, which are: Going out at the required levels: restricted and recommended. Opening of non-essential stores at the levels: closed; restricted; recommended. Transportation by public means: Paused; restricted; recommended. Gatherings of people: No more than 2 people; no more than 10 people; no more than 20 people./.