Lessons from effective control of Covid-19 epidemic in Vinh city

The fourth outbreak occurred in Vinh city under the condition that people from epidemic areas across the country and people in epidemic areas returned to the locality. Complex clusters of cases have appeared in the city. As a key traffic and trade hub, with a large number of people circulating, many types of commercial services, especially wholesale markets, Vinh market, shopping centers, and supermarkets, the risk of infection is very high.
Faced with the developments of the epidemic, from the beginning the City's Steering Committee for Epidemic Prevention and Control has proactively implementedsocial distancingApply Directive 19, Directive 15 and implement Directives 16 and 16+ according to the progress of the epidemic.

The early implementation of social distancing has prevented the spread of the epidemic, and at the same time, specialized forces have promptly screened and traced F0 and F1 cases to isolate them according to regulations of the health sector.

Vinh city leaders inspect Covid-19 prevention and control work in the area. Photo: PV

The City Steering Committee for Disease Prevention and Control has focused on improving the capacity of the health system, preparing plans and scenarios to respond to the disease at many levels from low to high. Developing plans corresponding to the epidemic developments in the area. Propaganda, raising awareness and actions of people participating in disease prevention and control have been implemented methodically, especially implementing the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health.

City to deploy soonvaccinationPrioritize frontline forces participating in the fight against the epidemic. Timely isolate areas with infected people, conduct contact tracing to limit the spread. At the same time, the Steering Committee and the City's Center for Disease Control have promptly developed specific plans to ensure the circulation of goods, ensure production and business activities, ensure social order and safety, ensure social security... in each stage.

Vinh City during the days of social distancing. Photo: Le Thang

Vinh city leaders give gifts to encourage frontline forces. Photo: PV

Food support from districts and towns to the city not only meets consumer needs but also demonstrates the spirit of sharing difficulties of the people in the province with the city.

The participation of the political system at the grassroots level is very effective, especially the direct, voluntary and effective participation of the people in epidemic prevention work in many aspects. From supporting, sharing food and clothes, sharing with people in difficult circumstances in their area; to donating to the Vaccine Fund, the Covid-19 Prevention Fund; directly participating in epidemic prevention and control work, protecting "green areas"; providing necessities...

Right from the beginning when the epidemic broke out, people clearly demonstrated their role as the subject and soldier in preventing and fighting the epidemic...

Information and propaganda work plays an important role and solution. The City Party Committee's Propaganda Department and the Covid Prevention and Control Propaganda Working Group have promoted the application of technology in information and propaganda work on epidemic prevention and control. From the city to the ward and commune levels, Zalo and Facebook groups are exploited to serve communication, leadership, and direction. Propaganda on the radio system and mobile propaganda are organized effectively, having a profound impact on the people, creating a spread and trust in the leadership and direction of epidemic prevention and control by the Party Committee and government from the city to the grassroots level. The city's epidemic prevention and control work has therefore received the participation of the majority of people; the people agree and respond; and place their trust in the government in the work of epidemic prevention and control.

Vinh City deploys free Covid-19 testing for local residents. Photo: Thanh Cuong

. From the results achieved, the City Steering Committee for Epidemic Prevention and Control requires Party committees, authorities, and epidemic prevention forces from the city to the commune level not to be subjective, negligent, or lose vigilance. Firmly maintain the mindset of being strict, taking strict measures, fighting the epidemic like fighting the enemy, all people seriously and responsibly implement the 5K recommendations in combination with other solutions.

The solution to vaccinate people will be prioritized, in which based on working conditions, priority will be given to the frontline forces against the epidemic: medical staff, medical staff; police, military forces, epidemic prevention forces in wards and communes: secretaries, block leaders, heads of front work committees, Covid community groups; volunteer teams of organizations; teachers; market traders, supermarket sales staff, professional delivery staff (shippers)... and expanded to the entire population as soon as vaccines are available.

Medical staff vaccinate traders and market managers. Photo: Quang An

The city gradually reopens traditional markets while ensuring anti-epidemic requirements; encourages business and production activities of "03 on-site", or "01 route, 02 locations"; organizes signing of commitments to strictly implement Covid-19 prevention and control measures and the "5K" message of the Ministry of Health at agencies, units, businesses, and business establishments. Maintains the operation of Covid-19 prevention and control stations and checkpoints at important locations, especially at the city's gateways.

The community Covid-19 team is primarily responsible for providing food to people in areas where enhanced Directive 16 is applied. Photo: Quang An

Thoroughly grasp the Prime Minister's directive that each commune, ward and town is a "fortress", the people are "soldiers" in epidemic prevention and control, have epidemic prevention and control scenarios in the area, proactively do a good job of epidemic prevention and control in all situations in the area. Promote and innovate and diversify propaganda work to raise awareness of epidemic prevention and control, spiritual life for people, enhance solidarity and trust, and people's support for epidemic prevention and control.