Government Office has just issued announcement 102 / TB-VPCP regarding conclusion of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc at the Government Standing Committee on COVID-19 prevention and control. Accordingly, Vietnam temporarily halt visa issuance for foreigners entering the country for a period of 30 days, starting from 00:00 March 18, 2020.
The announcement clearly stated that, in the prevention and control of COVID-19 epidemic, all levels, sectors and localities have made great efforts and obtained good results. In the early stage of epidemic prevention, 16/16 cases were completely cured and restricted widespread in the community.
In reality, it shows that the disease will continue to evolve complicatedly across the world, causing serious consequences. Vietnam is still a country with a high risk of spreading the disease, but it is still in the golden phase to control the infection. All sectors and levels must thoroughly grasp the spirit of “fighting against epidemics like fighting against the enemy”, implement well the 4-point motto, mobilize the whole political system to play in the best preparation of human resources and facilities to cope with epidemic outbreaks on a large scale, minimizing disease morbidity and mortality.
The Prime Minister requested ministries, agencies and People’s Committees of localities according to their assigned functions and tasks to concentrate on effectively directing implementation of the following key solutions:
Temporarily stop granting visas to foreigners entering Vietnam for a period of 30 days starting at 00:00 March 18, 2020.
Starting from 00:00 March 18, 2020, those possessing visa exemption or visa exemption certificates for overseas Vietnamese and their family members, and some other special cases (such as specialists, business managers, high-skilled workers …) must hold a certificate of testing negative to COVID-19 virus issued by competent authorities of the host country and approved by Vietnam upon arrival. The above-mentioned requirement is not applicable for people on entry for diplomatic or official purposes.
Passengers on arrivals must undergo inspection and comply with appropriate epidemic prevention and control measures strictly according to regulations.
Concentrated Quarantine for immigrants from the US, Europe, and ASEAN countries
In addition to the current cases under concentrated quarantine, the concentrated isolation shall be carried out for people entering from the US, Europe and ASEAN countries; meanwhile, self-isolation and medical supervision at home, enterprises, accommodation establishments and group supervision are conducted for subjects not under concentrated quarantine. The authorities of the commune, ward and local health sector must closely monitor the implementation of these measures, ensure segregation and supervision of the right subjects in sufficient time as prescribed. It is strictly prohibited to discriminate against people who are infected or suspected of having the disease.
Continue to restrict flights from the epidemic areas to Vietnam. The Ministries of Health, Defense, Public Security and Transport consider and decide the landing position of flights from the epidemic areas to ensure the quarantine and requirements for disease prevention.
The Ministry of Health specifically guides the organization of screening of cases of aircraft ‘s entry, medical control at airports and testing of entry passengers.
The Ministry of Health specifically instructs the screening of cases on entry, medical control at airports and testing of entry passengers.
Prepare more quarantine facilities
The Prime Minister assigned the Ministry of Defense to continue preparing more quarantine facilities in the army. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the People’s Committees of the provinces and cities shall prepare more quarantine facilities and assign the Commander of the military zones to get ready for large-scale quarantine.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall assume the prime responsibility and, together with the concerned ministries and agencies, closely follow up the epidemic situation in ASEAN countries, the region and the world in order to propose appropriate response measures in time.
The central hospitals, the army, the police and localities must have instant solution, prepare the conditions and the strategy to tackle the disease. The health sector has launched and implemented a special emulation campaign, mobilizing the entire force of the sector, people with medical expertise (including retirees) at all levels for epidemic prevention and control.
The Prime Minister also requested ministries, branches and localities to continue directing and promoting information and propaganda on epidemic prevention and control measures, self-protection, medical declaration, role models in epidemic prevention and control; continue to condemn and strictly handle misleading reporting, dishonest medical declaration, and failure to comply with quarantine as prescribed.
Continue to recommend the prevention of disease widespread from within the family, paying close attention to those with underlying sickness and the elderly to monitor health and submit medical declaration. Continuing to promote the roles and responsibilities of the ward, commune and residential quarter administrations in closely monitoring and taking measures to support families of suspected and quarantined cases.
Extensive testing implementation
Implementation of testing on a large scale; prioritize testing for the disadvantaged in society.
Ministries, branches and localities, especially big cities, focus on directing the strict implementation to restrict crowded social gatherings.
The Prime Minister agreed that the Ministry of Health will purchase equipment, medical supplies to prevent and control epidemics by way of appointing contractors at market prices. Set up a working group led by the Ministry of Health, with the participation of the Ministry of Finance and relevant ministries to determine the market price, ensure transparency and publicity in each period to timely purchase equipment, medical supplies to prevent and control epidemics.
The ministries of National Defense and the Public Security shall directly procure and ensure medical equipment and supplies for the hospitals of the Ministry, ensuring adequate numbers according to epidemic prevention and control requirements.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall direct the manufacture of masks to meet people’s demand.
Launching the campaign to sponsor epidemic prevention and control
The Prime Minister also requested the National Bank and the Ministry of Finance to lead and coordinate with relevant agencies to negotiate with the World Bank and other international organizations’ funding packages to support resources firstly for the epidemic prevention and control.
The Prime Minister highly appreciated organizations, businesses and individuals who have supported resources for disease prevention. The PM also demands the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front to preside over, launch the sponsor campaign and receive support, then assigning the Ministry of Health to manage and utilize the donations for the epidemic prevention and control.
Regarding the announcement of outbreaks in Hanoi, Da Nang and some localities, the Prime Minister requested the concerned ministries and localities to uniformly comply with the provisions of law.
Ministries, branches and localities will strictly implement the Prime Minister’s Directive No. 11 / CT-TTg of March 4, 2020 and the Prime Minister’s instructions on boosting manufacture and business activities.
The Prime Minister also assigned the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 prevention and control to propose appropriate spending budget for the people on quarantines, officials, health workers, soldiers and people who directly receive and serve cases in concentrated areas and hospitals; report to the Prime Minister promptly to decide necessary matters.
The Party Executive Committee of the Ministry of Health urgently prepares a report to the Politburo on the prevention and control of COVID-19./.
According to http://baochinhphu.vn/
