Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam - Head of Steering Committee discussed at the meeting.

At the meeting, the Steering Committee members discussed, analyzed and assessed the disease situation in Europe; epidemiological control at border gates; immigration management; apply isolation activities to the people from epidemic regions entering Vietnam; border control; monitor and detect patients in the community; preparatory work in ministries and branches to be ready to cope with new situations; restore some international routes, etc.

The updated report of the Steering Committee said that up to 20:00 on March 10, 114,191 cases of COVID-19 in the world were recorded in 104 countries and territories. 7 countries were recorded with over 1,000 cases, including: China (80,756); Italy (9,172); South Korea (7,513); Iran (7,161); France (1,412); Spain (1,231) and Germany (1,224).

In the world, 4,019 deaths have been recorded, including 3,136 in Mainland China; Italy: 463, Iran: 237, South Korea: 54, France: 30, Spain: 30, USA: 27, etc. Compared to March 9th, the number of infected cases had increased by 3,933 and the number of deaths increased by 191.

Notably, in terms of genetic modification, Italy identified four strains of the SARS-CoV-2 virus at the same time, different from those identified in Wuhan, China. In addition, the patient number 17 returned to Vietnam from Italy and the patient number 20 infected from the patient number 17 showed a clear pneumonia (including interstitial pneumonia), the symptoms were also worse than the patients from the UK whose symptoms were faint. (Currently under treatment at the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases in a stable state, according to the reporter).

Overview image of the Steering Committee meeting on the morning of March 11^th

In Vietnam, 34 cases of COVID-19 have been recorded, specifically: From Jan 23^rd to Mar 5^th, there were 16 cases (all were cured); from Mar 6^th to 10^th, 18 new cases were recorded (7 Vietnamese and 11 foreigners); The total number of close contacts and entries from epidemic areas under surveillance are 24,728, of which 2,525 are isolated in hospitals, 8,057 are in other facilities and 14,200 are at homes and residences.

Compared to March 9th, the number of close contacts and entries from epidemic areas increased by 4,707 people; in which the number of people isolated in hospitals increased by 2,059, etc.

At the meeting, the Steering Committee made an agreement to continue to carry out the 14-day concentrated isolation. The Steering Committee proposed the functional agencies to guide and train specific localities on reducing the density of isolation and organizing isolation in the community.

The Ministry of Health has issued a guiding document on reducing isolation density, whereby if people who are under concentrated isolation after 3 days are tested negative, they can move back to be isolated within the community and be under strict supervision, concurrently conducting electronic health records. Assign responsibilities to the committees and local authorities to direct the inspection and supervision of people who are isolated at homes, etc.

Regarding environmental treatment, the delegates also asked the Ministry of Health to provide specific guidance on the process for localities to carry out sterilization and disinfection at families and areas with COVID-19 infected people; give disinfection instructions in public places, tourist sites, schools, etc. to avoid unnecessary wastes, even causing confusion to people. The Steering Committee also assigned the Ministry of Health to provide professional guidance and training for local people on how to diversify and organize medical examination and treatment for cases of common flus or fevers.