Chairing the meeting between the Government’s permanent members and the national steering committee for the Covid-19 fight, he said in this third phase, there are more people in quarantine.

Citing the Health Ministry as predicting that the outbreak will reach its peak in Vietnam in about late April, he voiced concern about the fact that large gatherings still occur. Besides, there are also infection risks among those at quarantine centres.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (centre) chairs the meeting in Hanoi on March 23.

Requesting stronger actions, PM Phuc ordered close control of exit and entry by road, railway and air be continued, concentrated quarantine pushed ahead regardless of how much it costs the State, self-quarantine ensured in line with regulations, and safety for medical workers and other staff engaging in the combat guaranteed.

He stressed that the next 20 – 25 days are a big challenge to the fight in the country, so concerted and stronger measures must be taken.

The leader appreciated moves by all-level authorities, sectors and the whole political system in the recent past, considering the unanimity, joint efforts, seriousness and robustness, particularly the coordination from the public, as critically important to the fight.

PM Phuc further requested unnecessary services, especially restaurant and karaoke ones, to be shut down so as to minimise crowded gatherings, and called on places of worship not to organise events with a large number of people.

Regarding air transportation, he assigned the Ministry of Transport to take effective measures, even banning flights to Vietnam if necessary, while closely controlling domestic flights as well as rail and road transport to prevent virus spread.

He also told the Ministry of Health to promptly purchase quick test kits and carry out rapid testing at quarantine centres and in the community to screen infected people and minimise infection risks.

As of March 23 evening, the number of Covid-19 patients in Vietnam had reached 123, 17 of whom have recovered.

Covid-19 infection cases in Vietnam reach 113 as of March 22

The Ministry of Health on late March 22 confirmed seven new Covid-19 infection cases, raising the total number in Vietnam to 113.

Vietjet offers SKY COVID CARE insurance for passengers

New-age carrier Vietjet offers the SKY COVID CARE insurance with coverage ranging from 20,000,000 VND (856.9 USD) to a maximum of 200,000,000 VND (8,569 USD) for all passengers flying on its domestic flights from March 23 to June 30, 2020.

Vietnam to halt entry to all foreigners due to COVID-19

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 21 said that the Vietnamese Government has decided to temporarily suspend entry of all foreigners from March 22 due to the complicated developments of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Religious events to be cancelled due to Covid-19

The Government Committee for Religious Affairs on March 20 asked religious organisations and worship places to suspend festivals, conferences and activities for large crowds.

Artists create posters to help Covid- fight

Fourteen of the best posters from a competition held by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism's Culture Department will be used to promote good hygiene and prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Source: VNA