Covid-19 Prevention and Control: Don't Be Complacent

Previously, when Nghi Loc district leaders came to inspect this work in the area, the Chairman of Nghi Xuan Commune People's Committee was not present, and all contact with him was impossible. Meanwhile, Nghi Xuan commune was identified as one of the largest epidemic hotspots in Nghi Loc district in recent times. On the occasion of Lunar New Year alone, this commune recorded more than 110 new cases of Covid-19. Not only that, regarding the work of epidemic prevention and control, Nghi Loc district leaders also determined that the head of Nghi Xuan Commune People's Committee was irresponsible, leading to the delay in Covid-19 vaccination. And like the last straw, the commune "official" wasforced to temporarily stop workingwithin 15 days for review.

Taking Covid-19 test samples. Photo: TH

In fact, if it were more drastic, it is certain that not only the Chairman of Nghi Xuan Commune People's Committee would be disciplined, but many grassroots leaders in many localities would also be in a similar situation. After Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP of the Government Promulgating Temporary Regulations "Safely and flexibly adapting to and effectively controlling the Covid-19 epidemic" came into practice, epidemic prevention and control work has changed to suit the context.

This is a very correct policy, solving the "dual goal" problems that reality poses. However, since implementing the new anti-epidemic spirit, subjectivity, contempt and even lack of responsibility have been formed by many organizations, units and individuals.

Many people believe that when they have been fully vaccinated, they can “avoid” the epidemic. Especially during the Lunar New Year period, many people return from other provinces, while the new regulations do not require Covid-19 testing, including rapid and PCR tests, and people are not quarantined as before.

This is what makesthe epidemic spread rapidlyin the community. The number of infected patients jumped from 2-3 digits before Tet to 4 digits right after the nearly 10-day holiday. Subjectivity and non-compliance with epidemic prevention and control measures by the people are the main reasons why the number of infected people in Nghe An ranks second in the country, after Hanoi.

However, if based on population size, the number of new infections/day in Nghe An is in the top position. And the responsibility for this situation lies with the authorities, Party committees, and local governments. It is a lack of responsibility, subjectivity, and disregard for the risk of the epidemic.

The Provincial Covid-19 Prevention and Control Command Center and the Nghe An Department of Health inspect the temporary blockade area of ​​hamlet 6 and hamlet 7 of Nghi Phuong commune (Nghi Loc), November 2021. Photo: Thanh Chung

We still remember, in the past, when the epidemic prevention and control work was still applied by Directives 15, 16, 19 of the Government, the measures to prevent and control Covid-19 were implemented very actively, even with many extreme measures. At that time, there were hundreds of cases of people being administratively fined and prosecuted for violating epidemic prevention regulations. Compared to the present time, the epidemic prevention and control is too lax. It is true that we must create conditions for people to develop the economy and income, but laxity and lack of appropriate epidemic prevention measures will create dangerous consequences for society. And at this time, reality has proven that.

The handling of the above-mentioned Commune People's Committee Chairman is correct. And as many people say, this person is unlucky, because there are many people like him, just that they have not been handled yet.