Following a decision issued by the ministry on October 19, COVID-19 is no longer an infectious disease in Group A but downgraded to Group B starting October 20.

To ensure a cohesive approach to the current prevention and control activities, the ministry recommends in its dispatch the making of official announcements regarding the status of the pandemic and its cessation based on its practical situation and in accordance with the law on prevention and control of infectious diseases, and the proper restructuring of COVID-19 prevention and control steering committees across various levels.

Accordingly, localities and units involved are required to review, repeal, or amend any regulations and guidance issued under their jurisdiction that are no longer applicable due to the reclassification of COVID-19 from Group A to Group B.

The first COVID-19 cases in the world were recorded in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China. In Vietnam, the first case was confirmed on January 23, 2020. Photo: VNA

They are urged to enhance communications about COVID-19–related risks and preventive measures, and to encourage people wearing masks and disinfection for health protection particularly in crowded places such as public transport and healthcare facilities.

In addition, regular updates on the coronavirus disease situation and related policies for its prevention and control are essential for ensuring that the public understands, cooperates, and actively participates in pandemic prevention and control activities.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha has signed Decision No. 1269/QD-TTg on removing some documents on COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control that were issued by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Prime Minister.

One of the abolished documents is the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 447/QD-TTg dated April 1, 2020 announcing the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other documents include 20 decisions, 13 official dispatches and four official telegrams issued by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, and eight directives and three decisions of the Prime Minister.

The first COVID-19 cases in the world were recorded in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China. In Vietnam, the first case was confirmed on January 23, 2020.

With the participation of the entire political system, the Party, army and people implemented drastic, synchronous and timely measures to prevent and control the pandemic that is an unprecedented, complex, and unpredictable global pandemic.

Vietnam had gradually prevented and effectively controlled it. The country’s achievements in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic have made an important contribution and created favourable conditions for socio-economic recovery and prosperity in most fields.

On October 20, 2023, Vietnam officially moved COVID-19 from group A to group B infectious disease.

Earlier, on January 29, 2020, the Ministry of Health classified COVID-19 as a Group A infectious disease which comprises particularly dangerous infectious diseases that can spread very fast and on a large scale and have a high mortality rate or unclear causes. Meanwhile, Group B covers the infectious diseases that can spread fast and cause deaths.