Politburo: Focus on COVID-19 prevention and control with the spirit of 'fighting the epidemic like fighting the enemy'

At the meeting on June 11, 2021, after listening to the representative of the Government Party Committee report on the Covid-19 epidemic situation and tasks and solutions in the coming time, and opinions of agencies, the Politburo concluded:

1. Given the complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic,Politburo, Secretariat, General Secretary, President, National Assembly, Government, Prime Minister, National Steering Committee for Epidemic Prevention and ControlCovid-19has regularly directed closely, resolutely, proactively, and promptly implemented strong and drastic measures to prevent, combat, and contain the epidemic. The consistent and continuous ideology of "fighting the epidemic like fighting the enemy", steadfastly implementing the dual goal of effectively preventing and combating the epidemic while simultaneously developing the economy, caring for people's lives, and protecting people's health, has mobilized the participation of the entire Party, people, and army.

Up to now, although the epidemic is still complicated, it has been basically controlled. Vietnam is considered one of the countries in the world that has effectively prevented and controlled the epidemic. The socio-economy continues to achieve positive results, social security is ensured, national defense and security are maintained, foreign relations continue to be strengthened in all fields, especially in disease prevention and control; major holidays, important political events of the country, the election of the 15th National Assembly and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 term took place safely and very successfully.

General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong delivers his concluding speech at the meeting. (Photo: Tri Dung/VNA)

2. The Politburo highly appreciates the people at home and abroad for promoting the tradition of patriotism, the spirit of solidarity, mutual love, mutual assistance and the noble spirit of internationalism, accompanying, trusting, supporting, and joining hands to contribute to the work of epidemic prevention and control, and economic development; commends the proactive participation with a high sense of responsibility of Party committees, authorities, the Fatherland Front, organizations, functional agencies, especially the medical force, doctors, army, police and cadres at the grassroots level at the front line of the epidemic fight, ... have done many creative and effective things to contain and repel the outbreak of the epidemic; maintain and promote production and business activities, ensure social security and safety; take care of people's lives, especially in epidemic areas; has initially removed a number of mechanisms on research, production, purchase and vaccination of vaccines, established a "Vaccine Fund" to prevent and fight Covid-19, creating a widespread spread in society, attracting positive responses from people, businesses and our compatriots abroad.

However, the fourth outbreak has been very complicated, large-scale, and has spread at the fastest rate ever, causing many difficulties for epidemic prevention and control work, production and business activities, and people's lives. Notably, there are signs of negligence, subjectivity, and lack of vigilance by some Party committees, authorities, and a part of the people in epidemic prevention and control work; some agencies and units have shown passivity, confusion, lack of courage, and have not responded promptly to the epidemic situation...

3. To achieve greater effectiveness in epidemic prevention and control, successfully implement the "dual goal", and care for people's lives, the Politburo requests the Government Party Committee, the National Assembly Party Delegation, the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, the Fatherland Front, mass organizations, departments, ministries, branches and provinces and cities to well perform the following key tasks:

3.1. The entire political system focuses on the prevention and control of the Covid-19 epidemic with the spirit of "fighting the epidemic like fighting the enemy". Proactively develop plans and scenarios to promptly respond to all situations; absolutely do not be subjective, negligent, lose vigilance, or be satisfied with the initial results achieved. Continue to closely and tightly direct and deploy strong, drastic, flexible, and effective solutions, especially in localities with high population density, many industrial parks, and large outbreaks to promptly prevent and repel; do not let the epidemic spread and break out in the community.

3.2. Strengthen leadership, direction and implementation of socio-economic development solutions, ensure thorough budget savings, especially regular expenditures to ensure adequate resources for epidemic prevention and control. The Government Party Committee closely coordinates with the National Assembly Party Delegation to focus on removing difficulties and obstacles in institutions, mechanisms and policies to support, maintain and promote production and business; avoid production interruptions.

Research and pilot the use of Vaccine Passports for international visitors to some tourist centers where the epidemic can be controlled, such as Phu Quoc and Kien Giang. Promote solutions to consume agricultural products in the harvest season in localities, especially localities with complicated developments of the Covid-19 epidemic. Direct good control of epidemics in livestock farming, prevent, stop, and promptly handle speculation and abnormal price increases. Urgently have appropriate teaching, learning, and testing plans for each level of education in each locality; continue to promote mechanisms, policies, solutions, and charitable deeds to provide more effective and practical support to workers, laborers, people, and businesses affected by the Covid-19 epidemic.

3.3. Focus on directing and removing legal obstacles to mobilize all resources, encourage socialization, develop a "Vaccine Fund" to prevent and fight Covid-19, consider allowing organizations and individuals who meet the conditions prescribed by the State to participate in the field of purchasing and supplying Covid-19 vaccines, to speed up the purchase and organize vaccination for people, focusing on those at the front line of epidemic prevention and control, high-risk areas, and workers directly involved in production in industrial parks; research and consider vaccination for children.

Develop and publicize vaccination programs and plans for people to achieve community immunity with a specific timetable. Continue to develop mechanisms and policies to encourage, support, and promote domestic vaccine research and development activities. Strengthen international cooperation in epidemic prevention and control, and equal access to vaccine supply, especially with traditional partners and friends with potential in medical application research in the field of vaccine production and supply.

3.4. Continue to strictly control entry and repatriation, have synchronous and effective solutions to control border routes, and prevent illegal entry. Review and complete regulations, procedures, and guidelines to further improve the effectiveness and efficiency of epidemic prevention and control.

3.5. Continue to encourage, commend, and promptly reward agencies, units, and localities that do well, and exemplary individuals in epidemic prevention and control. Strictly handle violations of regulations, subjectivity, and negligence in epidemic prevention and control; strengthen direction and propaganda on epidemic prevention and control in the new situation; especially the benefits of vaccination, continue to mobilize the strength of the entire political system in epidemic prevention and control, promote economic development, care for people's lives and protect their health.

3.6. Provincial and municipal Party Committees, Party Committees, Party Executive Committees, Party Delegations, Politburo members, Secretariat members, Party Central Committee members and leaders of sectors and levels must take the lead in leading, directing and taking responsibility for epidemic prevention and control activities in localities, agencies, units and fields under their charge.

This conclusion was disseminated to the Party cell.