Big cities prepare large-scale quarantine plans
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has asked densely populated cities to prepare plans for large-scale quarantine if the Covid-19 epidemic breaks out.
At the Government's regular meeting on the afternoon of March 5, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc emphasized the above direction, especially for the two major cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
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| Field quarantine area at 108 Tran Quang Dieu, District 3, Ho Chi Minh City. Photo:Quynh Nguyen. |
The Prime Minister said that Vietnam has done a "very good job" in preventing and fighting Covid-19, with no new cases recorded in the past 23 days. However, the epidemic is spreading rapidly in many countries, so "we must not be subjective, tired, or hesitant, but must be more determined to fight the epidemic."
The head of the Government reiterated that centralized quarantine in various forms is an important countermeasure. The military and localities need to continue preparing additional quarantine facilities. "Neighborhood groups must know how people live and what the epidemic situation is like," the Prime Minister said, asking localities to create new ways to detect pathogens and avoid the risk of spreading.
The health sector is required to mobilize human resources and equipment to support localities if an epidemic occurs. The Ministry of Health is assigned to purchase an additional 20 million masks in reserve (from 10 million previously to 30 million), some N95 masks, and protective gear against Covid-19.
"It is necessary to make a backup plan for location, accommodation and supply of necessities if large-scale isolation is required, to avoid insecurity and bad conditions for those in isolation," the Prime Minister said, requesting the Finance sector to "meet all anti-epidemic needs properly, promptly and effectively."
The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism was assigned to coordinate with localities to mobilize a number of hotels to quarantine people returning from epidemic areas.
Emphasizing that the epidemic has greatly affected the economy and society, disrupting the supply chain in some of Vietnam's important partners, the Prime Minister said that urgent solutions will be issued to remove difficulties, maintain production and business, and ensure social security.
The Covid-19 outbreak began in Wuhan in December 2019 and has now spread to 90 countries and territories, infecting more than 97,000 people and killing 3,348. China, South Korea, Italy, and Iran have recorded many cases.
In Vietnam, 16 people infected with Covid-19 have recovered, and no new cases have been recorded in the past 23 days. However, 92 suspected cases are being quarantined; 16,190 people who have been in close contact with suspected cases and returned from epidemic areas are being monitored for their health.