Daily Covid-19 Update 2 August 2021

Prime Minister demands readiness for long-term fight against COVID-19 New approaches and measures should be adopted as the fight against COVID-19 may last long since a cure for the disease is still beyond grasp, said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh. Viet Nam has gone nearly 100 days since the fourth wave of COVID-19 resurgence broke out in late April. However, the disease outbreak remains complicated especially in Ho Chi Minh City and several southern and central provinces. Similarily, the pandemic has also evolved complicatedly in Asia in general and the Southeast Asian region in particular. As there has been no efficient cure to the virus, the fight against COVID-19 will be longer despite vaccination efforts in full force. Against that backdrop, he underlined the necessity to roll out new approaches, new tasks, and new solutions to realize the ‘dual goals’ of disease prevention and economic recovery. According to PM Pham, the Government will issue a resolution on urgent measures on COVID-19 prevention and control. The Ministry of Health forecast that in the coming time, infections would continue its rising course before going down, however still at a high rate. Accordingly, mandatory social distancing rules must remain in place in line with the Prime Minister's Directive No. 16. The ministry suggested the deployment of more medical workers to treatment facilities, the strict implementation of preventive measures to reduce infections and fatalities, and the speeding up of vaccination process.

Prime Minister orders 2-week social distancing extension for 19 southern Vietnamese localities, including Saigon

In addition to Ho Chi Minh City, the other localities enforcing the extension include Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria-Vung Tau, Tien Giang, Long An, Ben Tre, Can Tho, Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Hau Giang, Bac Lieu, An Giang, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Kien Giang, and Ca Mau, according to a decision issued by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday. The extended period is counted from the end of 14-day extensive social distancing that was stipulated under an urgent dispatch issued by the prime minister on July 17. Accordingly, these cities and provinces are required to maintain social distancing measures under Directive No. 16 and to forbid interprovincial travels from Sunday forward, except for those authorized by the government, until the social distancing extension ends. Leaders of the provinces and cities will be held accountable to the prime minister if they let people move out of their localities. For people who have left their province or city before the decision was issued, local authorities have to help them reach their destinations safely. Designated authorities are required to set up effective treatment and care systems for COVID-19 patients, especially those in severe conditions, to minimize fatality rates, the decision said. The PM also requested all local administrations to strictly comply with epidemic prevention and control rules under the directive, take measures to contain the coronavirus spread, and provide appropriate support and aid for virus-affected areas. Directive No. 16 includes the closure of non-essential businesses and services, a stay-home order, a ban on gatherings larger than two people, a minimum two-meter distance between people, and the suspension of public transport. Residents are completely prohibited from going out, except for seeking medical treatment and buying food at designated points. The prime minister ordered local authorities to immediately provide enough food and healthcare for all the poor as well as people who lose income due to the pandemic. COVID-19 vaccination must be organized quickly, safely and effectively, and any violations related to the inoculation must be punished strictly and promptly, the PM underlined in the decision.

Source: tuoitrenew.vn