Extending social distancing according to Directive 16 for another 14 days for 19 southern provinces and cities

The Prime Minister requested localities to implement Directive 16.must be done seriously, "consistently following the principle that it can only be done at a higher level and earlier, suitable to the practical situation in the locality".

Localities must strictly control and immediately implement measures to support people's lives and health so that they can rest assured that "everyone stays where they are". "Absolutely do not let people move from their place of residence after July 31 until the end of social distancing, except in cases permitted by the government", the dispatch stated.

Provincial and municipal leaders are responsible to the Prime Minister if they let people leave their localities without permission. For people who have traveled from one province to another, local authorities must organize to welcome and bring them back to their hometowns safely. Local authorities will test and pick up people by van; trucks can be used to carry people's motorbikes if they have them. People returning to their hometowns will be quarantined and medically monitored. Provincial and municipal police will advise the Provincial People's Committee to organize the pick-up and drop-off.

Localities are required to organize a network of care and treatment for Covid-19 patients in layers; prioritize severe patients, and limit deaths. Poor workers and those who have lost their income will be provided with enough food. "No one will go hungry or without clothes. Provide necessary medical support for all people," the dispatch stated.

The Prime Minister emphasized the need to organize vaccination quickly, in the right areas, ensuring safety, not letting vaccines expire; not allowing situations of asking for or choosing vaccines; not abusing authority to vaccinate the wrong people. Violators will be punished. Heads of government at all levels are directly responsible for epidemic prevention, including vaccination.

Provinces mobilized medical staff, especially emergency resuscitation forces, "regardless of public or private" to join the fight against the epidemic in the area. Medical forces from all over the country are ready to support Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces with a large number of infections, under the coordination of the Ministry of Health.

Medical staff and other forces directly fighting the epidemic are guaranteed protective equipment and material support. Provinces have plans to purchase medical supplies and equipment. The Ministry of Health is speeding up the production and supply of vaccines and drugs to fight the epidemic according to a shortened process; proposing additional regimes suitable for medical staff and frontline workers.

Previously, the Prime Minister decided to apply social distancing measures across the entire province and city 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. The application time is from 0:00 on July 19.