The Notice stated that, in the prevention and control activities of the COVID-19 epidemic, all levels, sectors and localities have made great efforts and achieved commendable results. In the first phase of preventing and controlling the epidemic, 16 out of 16 cases were completely cured and limited the spread of disease in the community.

The fact showed that the COVID-19 disease will continue to evolve complicatedly around the globe, causing serious consequences. Vietnam is a country with a risk of disease spread, yet it is still in the golden phase to control infection.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested ministries, agencies and People's Committees of localities that according to their assigned functions and tasks, bring the best preparation for the workforce and facilities, be ready to respond in case of the epidemic breaking out on a large scale, minimizing the number of infected cases and deaths.

Entry cases that must undergo inspection as regulated

First of all, visas issuance will be temporarily halted to foreigners entering Vietnam for 30 days, starting from 00:00 on March 18.

The cases are those who get visa exemptions or have a visa exemption certificate granted to Vietnamese people and relatives.

For some other special cases such as experts, business managers, skilled workers, etc. when entering the country, they must submit papers certifying they are not positive for the COVID-19 virus. The papers must be issued by the competent authority of the host country and approved by Vietnam.

The aforesaid measures shall not be applicable to entrants for diplomatic or official purposes.

Entry cases must undergo inspection and comply with appropriate epidemic prevention and control measures as regulated.

Concentrated quarantine is applied to entrants from the US, Europe, and ASEAN countries

In addition to the current entry cases of concentrated quarantine, the isolation shall be carried out for people from the US, Europe and ASEAN countries; at the same time, implement medical quarantine and supervision at homes, enterprises, accommodation establishments, and group supervision for whom are not subject to concentrated quarantine.

Continue to minimize flights from the epidemic areas to Vietnam. The Ministries of: Health, Defense, Public Security and Transport shall consider and decide the landing position of flights from the epidemic areas to create favourable conditions for the quarantine activities and the anti-epidemic requirements.

Prepare more quarantine facilities

The Ministry of Defense shall continue to prepare more quarantine facilities in the army. Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism; The People's Committees of provinces and cities to prepare more quarantine facilities and assign the Commander of the military zones to coordinate to stay ready for a large-scale quarantine.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall assume the prime responsibility and, together with the related ministries and agencies, closely monitor the epidemic situation in ASEAN countries, regions and around the world to propose timely and appropriate response measures.

Continue to recommend the prevention of disease spread from within the family, paying attention to those with underlying illness or the elderly to monitor health, and submit voluntary medical reports.

Resume 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 isolated people.

Extensive implementation of testing

The Prime Minister requested extensive testing; be attentive to disadvantaged cases in society. Ministries, branches and localities, especially big cities, will focus on directing the strict implementation of the solution to restrict places with crowded people.

The National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control proposed a suitable spending norm for the isolated people, officials, health workers, soldiers and people who directly received isolated cases, those who are serving in concentrated quarantine areas or in hospitals; promptly report to the Prime Minister to decide necessary matters.

The Prime Minister agreed to assign the Ministry of Health to purchase equipment, medical supplies in preventing and controlling the epidemic by way of appointment of contractors at market prices. Set up a working group chaired by the Ministry of Health, with the participation of the Ministry of Finance and related ministries, to determine market prices and ensure transparency and publicity in each period to timely purchase equipment, medical supplies in preventing and controlling the epidemic.

The ministries of National Defense and the Public Security shall directly purchase and ensure medical equipment and supplies for the hospitals of the Ministry, ensuring adequate numbers according to the epidemic prevention and control requirements. The Ministry of Industry and Trade shall direct the production of masks to meet the needs of the people.

Launching a movement of giving resources assistance to the epidemic prevention and control

The Prime Minister highly appreciated the organizations, businesses and individuals who have given resources assistance for the epidemic prevention and control activities and asked the Central Committee of the Vietnam Fatherland Front to continue to chair and organize the movement of receiving assistance in preventing and controlling the COVID-19 epidemic.

Silmutaneously, the State Bank and the Ministry of Finance are requested to assume the prime responsibility for, and coordinate with concerned agencies in negotiating the financing packages of the World Bank and other international organizations to give resources assistance for the prevention and control of the epidemic.

Ministries, branches and localities shall strictly implement the Prime Minister's Directive No. 11/CT-TTg dated March 4, 2020 and the directions on promoting production, business and service activities.

Regarding the epidemic announcement in Hanoi, Da Nang and some localities, the Prime Minister requested relevant ministries and localities to uniformly comply with the provisions of law./.