Announcement of the Politburo's conclusion on Covid-19 epidemic prevention and control

At the meeting on March 20, 2020, after listening to the Government Party Committee's report on the situation of Covid-19 epidemic prevention and control (Report No. 1354-BC/BCSĐCP dated March 19, 2020) and opinions of relevant agencies, the Politburo discussed and concluded as follows:

1. In recent times, the Covid-19 epidemic has become increasingly complicated, breaking out strongly in many countries and regions, deeply and widely affecting socio-economic development globally, seriously affecting the health and lives of people in many countries.

General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong chairs a Politburo meeting on Covid-19 prevention and control. Photo: VNA

The Party and State have directed all levels and sectors to grasp the situation and developments, and promptly take effective solutions to prevent and control the epidemic. The Politburo, the Secretariat, the Standing Secretariat, and the Prime Minister have issued many directive documents, mobilizing the participation of the entire political system and the entire population.

The National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, ministries, sectors, organizations, especially medical staff, officers and soldiers of the armed forces, diplomatic staff, information and propaganda staff, organizations... and localities have coordinated to seriously implement, promptly, resolutely and synchronously deploy assigned tasks.

Information on the epidemic and epidemic prevention and control work is transmitted quickly, transparently and fully; false information is promptly and strictly handled. Our people have shown calmness and initiative, joined with Party committees and authorities at all levels to participate in epidemic prevention and control; united, shared and supported each other to overcome difficulties. Thanks to our efforts, joint efforts and consensus, we have been and are controlling the epidemic, highly appreciated by the international community, and the people agree and trust in the leadership of the Party and State.

In addition, in the process of implementing epidemic prevention and control work, there were times and places where we were still passive and confused, and coordination and cooperation between forces were not smooth; some places were not really drastic, information and propaganda work at some times and in some areas was not clearly oriented and not very effective. However, with the spirit of the whole country focusing on epidemic prevention and control, learning from experience while doing, regularly reviewing and promptly adjusting, our country did not let the epidemic spread.

Currently, the epidemic situation is complicated and unpredictable, having a comprehensive impact on the economy, society, national defense, security and people's lives. It may last a long time, and it is difficult to predict the exact end time.

Vietnam is facing a high risk of spreading the epidemic and is in a period of high concentration to control the infection, absolutely not subjective or lax. The results of the past time have left many lessons, with the consensus and determination of the entire Party, the entire army and the entire people, and the serious implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures, we believe that the epidemic will be contained, the economy will soon stabilize and recover, and social security will be ensured.

2. The Politburo requests that Party committees at all levels, authorities, departments, branches and organizations focus on disease prevention and control with the highest sense of responsibility, resolutely prevent the disease from breaking out, and at the same time carry out urgent tasks, support the business community, maintain production and business, care for people, and proactively prepare plans to restore the economy.

To achieve the above goals, the Politburo requires:

2.1. Party committees, authorities, departments, branches and organizationscontinue to seriously implement the directives of the Secretariat, the Standing Secretariat and the Prime Minister, and the unified direction and management of the National Steering Committee on Covid-19 Prevention and Control.

2.2.Focus on disease prevention and control according to the following principles: Prevent and minimize sources of infection, especially from abroad; early detection of infected cases; epidemiological investigation, classification, screening, and strict isolation; localization and suppression of epidemics; timely and effective treatment.

Propaganda and mobilization of people to raise awareness of self-protection, community protection, comply with the provisions of law, instructions of the Ministry of Health and local authorities, voluntarily declare health, promptly notify medical facilities about health status if there are factors or signs of suspected Covid-19 infection. Party committees and authorities at commune, ward and town levels must promote the core role of the police, military and medical forces, closely coordinate, strengthen grasp of the situation, and perform well assigned tasks.

2.3. Complete plans and scenarios for epidemic prevention at different scales; ensure adequate conditions for facilities, equipment, materials and human resources to prevent and control epidemics in the event of a strong outbreak. Focus on removing difficulties and obstacles in purchasing equipment and materials for epidemic prevention and control. Have policies to encourage and promptly support those participating in epidemic prevention and control. Localities with epidemics must prioritize all conditions and resources to fight and suppress the epidemic.

2.4.Propagate and inform people promptly and transparently about the epidemic situation, strictly handle those who provide false information, affecting the work of disease prevention and control.

2.5. Encourage people and the business community to promote patriotism, compassion, and social responsibility, participate in epidemic prevention and control, and support functional forces to fulfill their tasks well. Timely share and support people in difficult circumstances, workers who have to temporarily stop working, and people in epidemic areas; coordinate with other countries to promptly support Vietnamese people abroad.

2.6. Continue to direct the development of economic and social development scenarios appropriate to the epidemic situation; have plans to remove difficulties, promote production and business, especially in industries affected by the epidemic, ensure social security, and care for people's lives.

2.7. Carry out foreign affairs and diplomatic activities well, especially ASEAN diplomatic activities. Regularly exchange and share experiences and cooperate in disease prevention and control; provide timely and regular information so that countries understand our policies and guidelines in the process of disease prevention and control.

Vietnamese citizens returning from Laos through two land border gates Cau Treo and Nam Can to be taken to the military quarantine area in Nghi Phong commune, Nghi Loc district, Nghe An province. Photo: Thanh Cuong

2.8. Party committees and organizations at all levels shall properly implement Directive No. 35-CT/TW dated May 30, 2019 of the Politburo and the instructions in the Telegram of the Standing Secretariat dated March 14, 2020 on organizing grassroots party congresses.

3. The National Assembly Party Delegation, the Government Party Committee, the Central Military Commission, the Central Public Security Party Committee, the Central Propaganda and Education Commission, the Central External Relations Commission, the Central Mass Mobilization Commission, the Vietnam Fatherland Front and other organizations, secretaries of provincial and municipal Party Committees, heads of Party committees and organizations at all levels, based on their assigned functions and tasks, shall effectively implement the above policies. The Central Propaganda and Education Commission is responsible for monitoring, urging, regularly guiding and synthesizing activities, and promptly reporting to the Politburo.

The initial victory in the fight against the pandemic has demonstrated the will and strength of the spirit of solidarity and unity of our entire Party, people and army. We absolutely must not be complacent or satisfied with the results we have achieved. We must continue to implement more drastic, synchronous and effective measures to prevent and suppress the epidemic.

In this difficult and complicated time, the Politburo calls on all compatriots, comrades and soldiers nationwide to unite in will and action, and engage more strongly. Vietnam will definitely defeat the Covid-19 pandemic./.