The PM made the statement at a regular Government meeting on May 24.

According to Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long, the fourth wave was more complicated and likely to last longer than the previous ones. It occurred in many more localities with numerous sources of infection, many clusters, and variants which were spreading more rapidly and widely.

However, it has been controlled as most of the sources of infections were defined to come from cases already under quarantine or locked down areas. The pandemic is basically contained in almost all localities including Yen Bai, Dong Nai, Quang Ngai, Nghe An, Quang Ninh, Quang Nam, Hai Phong, Quang Tri, Dak Lak, Thanh Hoa, Thai Nguyen, Ninh Binh, Tuyen Quang, and Son La. Six localities have reported no new cases over the past 14 days.

Illustrative (source: internet)

In the two provinces of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, the situation has got complicated with high numbers of cases detected in industrial parks and then spreading to the community. The two provinces have taken drastic measures to lock down the affected areas, apply social distancing in certain areas and stop operations of some industrial parks (in Bac Giang), and some companies (in Bac Ninh) to quickly stop the spread of COVID-19.

On the occasion, the PM spoke highly of some ministries, sectors and localities that have done well in containing the pandemic, contributing to the socio-economic development and to the success of the general elections of deputies to the National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils on May 23. The ministries were praised for their efforts in the fight against COVID-19, including ministries of Health, Public Security, National Defence, Finance, and Foreign Affairs, among others. He praised six localities that had reported no new cases over the past 14 days.

However, he also pointed out shortcomings that need to be dealt with in the fight against COVID-19 in industrial parks. For instance, the loose management of quarantine and post-quarantine cases, some administrative procedures failing to match reality. He added that besides some localities that have been creative, proactive, flexible and taken measures appropriate to the real situation, some were still confused and unprepared.

The COVID-19 pandemic is predicted to be more complex and unexpected, possibly affecting many socio-economic activities, especially operations of industrial parks and certain large-scale economic hubs. Thus, it is essential to make objective judgments in order to be more determined, make greater efforts, and act more decisively to adapt to new situations and developments through appropriate and effective solutions. The practice is seen as an active attack against the pandemic whilst maintaining socio-economic development.

Illustrative (source: internet)

Quick, effective implementation of vaccine strategy

The Prime Minister highlighted certain tasks that need to be carried out in the new situation.

First, ministries of Health; Finance; Planning and Investment; Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; Industry and Trade; Public Security; National Defence; and Foreign Affairs to quickly review what has been done and to perfect and supplement institutions, mechanisms, policies and guidelines to implement the goals of pandemic control and economic development, protect people and community health, and specialise the responsibility of collectives and individuals. 

Second, to drastically, seriously and effectively carry out the vaccine roll-out plan. The Government must direct ministries, bodies, sectors and localities to focus all efforts to drastically, and effectively implement the vaccine strategy. Regarding this, the PM requested more serious, rapid and effective implementation, with higher determination and efforts, of the work.  

He noted that scientists, Ministry of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology must partake in and the Ministry of Finance must formulate mechanisms and policies to facilitate the research and production of vaccines. The roll-out plan must be carried out appropriately, prioritising frontline forces and workers at industrial parks. 

The PM called for competent ministries and bodies to immediately propose contribution mechanisms to and usage of the COVID-19 Vaccine Fund to ensure publicity, transparency, objectivity, mobilising contributions of the whole society, enterprises, organisations and individuals at home and abroad. He also called for tightening of budgets so more funds can go to vaccines.

“Ministries, sectors as directed by the Government, Prime Minister, and the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control must quickly and effectively implement the vaccine strategy, this is of high importance,” the PM said.

Prevention and control strategy in industrial parks

Third, it is a must to control the pandemic in industrial parks. He said it is necessary to continue reviewing regulations and processes of health declaration, pandemic prevention and control, isolation and production in industrial parks. Ministries of Industry and Trade; Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs; and Health and relevant ministries, localities must rapidly develop and perfect regulations to have a complete strategy for fighting the pandemic in industrial zones whilst preventing disruption of supply chains as well as busines and production activities.

Fourth, the Ministry of Industry and Trade in coordination with the Ministry of Transport and Ministry of Health and competent bodies to complete regulations related to the transportation of goods, materials and services, and so forth in affected localities. “Bac Giang lychees are of high value and in the harvest season. I directed Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien to go to the province and work with local authorities to have specific plans [for the consumption of the fruits]. We must adapt to the situation as there is no other option,” said the PM.

Fifth, the PM reiterated the requirement to apply special regulations to reward and discipline the right people for the right reasons.

Sixth, it is compulsory to tighten any entry, especially illegal entry, which is a regular task of the police and armed forces but the work must be implemented more actively.

Seventh, communications must be timely, accurate, and effective and analyses as well as encouraging and inspirational articles must be added to make the people aware of the real situation, developments of the pandemic, share and join with forces of all-level authorities.

Eighth, the Prime Minister will send a letter encouraging the frontline forces, including medical workers.

Ninth, based on their own functions, duties and rights and specific situations, ministries, sectors and localities can decide suitable measures in the spirit of efficiency, creativity, determination, efforts in realising double goals of pandemic control and economic development./.