Applying Directive 16 to 19 southern provinces and cities
19 southern provinces and cities apply Directive 16 for 14 days, from 0:00 on July 19, of which 3 places are implementing and 16 other localities are added.
On July 17, based on the proposal of the Minister of Health and the consensus of the Government Standing Committee, the Prime Minister decided to apply social distancing measures on a province-wide and municipal scale according to Directive 16, for: Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai (already implemented); adding Can Tho City and the provinces of Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Tien Giang, Long An, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Ben Tre, Hau Giang, An Giang, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Ca Mau, Kien Giang.
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| Dong Xoai Market, Binh Phuoc was locked down due to the discovery of a positive case, July 9. Photo: Van Tram |
The above decision was made in the face of "the complicated developments of Covid-19, and for the goal of protecting and taking care of people's health above all, first and foremost".
The Prime Minister noted that the time to start applying social distancing measures for the above-mentioned additional provinces and cities will be decided by the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, but no later than 0:00 on July 19.
For provinces and cities that were applying social distancing measures before July 17, based on the results of epidemic prevention in the area, the Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee shall proactively and promptly report to competent authorities for consideration before deciding to continue social distancing as before, or extend the time along with the newly added provinces.
Agencies must seriously and effectively implement Directive 16; pay attention to ensuring sources of supplies, equipment, and medical human resources, especially medical staff, doctors, medical officers, and employees; ensure security, safety, and social security...
"Take care of people's material and spiritual lives, do not let anyone lack food, clothing, or essential necessities; improve treatment effectiveness, and prioritize resources for severe Covid-19 cases," the Prime Minister assigned.
Government leaders called on people and businesses to promote the spirit of national solidarity, self-reliance, sharing, support and strictly implement social distancing; only leave home when absolutely necessary and strictly implement 5K.
Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam directly directed ministries, branches and localities to implement the above policy; on behalf of the Prime Minister, he resolved urgent and newly arising issues.
