PM outlines new approach, solutions for national COVID-19 fight

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chairs an online cabinet meeting on July 30 in Hanoi to discuss COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control measures.

The Government chief made these remarks whilst chairing an online cabinet meeting on July 30 in Hanoi with localities nationwide to discuss COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control measures.

The meeting also provided a platform to discuss plans to carry out the tasks approved by the 15th National Assembly (NA) during its recently-concluded first session regarding the prevention and control of the pandemic moving forward.

Upon addressing the event, PM Chinh praised the concerted effort made by all citizens, the business community, and the entire political system to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, with the fourth wave now passing nearly 100 days across many localities nationwide.

"COVID-19 is the pandemic of the century without cure, so the fight against the disease remains a long way to go, even when there are vaccines to prevent COVID-19. Therefore, it is necessary to have a new approach, tasks and solutions to continue to realize the dual goal of both combating the pandemic, and ensuring socio-economic development," PM Chinh said.

The PM went on to suggest the need to focus on discussing the pandemic situation as a way of helping the Government issue a resolution regarding the implementation of urgent COVID-19 containment measures in line with Resolution No. 30 as adopted by the NA.

According to a report detailed by the Ministry of Health, the situation regarding the pandemic remains complicated in Ho Chi Minh City, with several residential and blockaded areas reporting high number of community cases over recent times. This can be seen in the figures relating to the rapid spread of the virus among the community.

Furthermore, the number of infections detected through screening at numerous health facilities has recorded a downturn, which marks a positive sign in disease control. Indeed, stricter social distancing measures have been carried out, with non-essential businesses being forced to close and people prevented from going out without a necessary reason.

In terms of COVID-19 treatment, approximately 29,000 people nationwide have since recovered from the disease, whilst 95,770 patients are currently undergoing treatment at hospitals throughout the country.

As of the morning of July 30, over 5.5 million doses of the COVID-19 vaccine have been administered throughout the nation, with over 4.9 million people receiving one dose, and close to 550,000 people being given two full doses.

The Ministry of Health, in co-ordination with competent agencies and localities, are urgently conducting vaccine testing in order to launch mass vaccination schemes in the near future. Through this process, priority will be given to those on the frontline of the pandemic fight, including medical workers, employees working in industrial parks, and people living in high-risk areas.

During the course of the meeting, the Ministry of Health proposed solutions for COVID-19 prevention and control, such as mobilising more forces to support efforts to swiftly combat the pandemic, speeding up domestic vaccine production, and prioritising vaccination for Ho Chi Minh City and southern localities.