Accordingly, localities which are now undergoing social distancing order in accordance with the Prime Minister’s Directive No. 16 are requested to ensure stricter implementation of the order, promptly test residents in lockdown and high-risk areas and people with high risks of transmission of the virus.

Local authorities have to take people infected with COVID-19 to treatment facilities or help them to treat Coronavirus depending on their health conditions and the real conditions of each localities.

The Government chief ordered subordinate levels to minimize deaths by ensuring sufficient oxygen supply, ventilators, emergency beds and other necessities at the earliest.

Vaccination process must be accelerated. Based on the guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health, Chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees shall decide on priority groups for vaccination in accordance with the real conditions and COVID-19 prevention and control requirements in their localities.

PM Pham called for enhanced participation of the whole political system, especially grassroots political units, support and cooperation of people, and mobilization of resources for COVID-19 prevention and control.

Localities placed under social distancing shall have to especially pay attention to ensuring smooth circulation and supply of goods and other necessities to residents and meet people’s demand for health care at anywhere and any time.

Pham also requested localities to timely and fully implement policies adopted by the Government to support businesses and citizens affected by the pandemic. The Ministry of Health was assigned to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies to expeditiously mull over and put forward policies and mechanisms on tax reduction and exemption and other support measures for the pandemic-hit businesses and citizens.

Earlier the same day, PM Pham clarified responsibilities of Deputy Prime Ministers, Ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies and Government-attached bodies, and Chairpersons of provincial and municipal People's Committees for COVID-19 fight./.