Vietnam aims to control fresh coronavirus outbreak in September
The Vietnamese government has set a goal of keeping the fresh coronavirus outbreak nationwide in check in September, according to a resolution recently signed by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
According to the resolution, most localities will strive to bring the outbreak under control before August 25. Coronavirus hotspots like Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Long An are set to contain the outbreak before September 1, while Ho Chi Minh city, the largest coronavirus hotspot, is expected to halt the spread of the SARS-CoV-2 virus before September 15.
To meet the goal, the Government requested localities to strictly implement restrictive measures against COVID-19, including social distancing rules. It permitted localities to proactively and flexibly apply necessary measures such as restricting some vehicles hitting the road, or asking people not to leave their home, in order to slow the spread of the virus.
The government also asked relevant ministries, sectors and localities to ensure a sufficient supply of food and other daily essential goods, while promptly giving first aid and treatment to people in need.
It reminded the Ministry of Health to keep abreast of pandemic developments in the world and come up with a quick response with regard to testing and treatment.
The government also requested the Ministries of Health, National Defence, Public Security and Foreign Affairs to speed up the vaccine diplomacy strategy to support national vaccinations.
The virus has since its resurgence in late April spread to 62 out of all 63 cities and provinces across the country, with more than 200,000 cases confirmed.
HCM City, the busiest and most populous locality in Vietnam, records approximately 4,000 cases daily on average, raising its tally of infections to more than 130,000, or two thirds of the country’s total.
Its neighbouring provinces like Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Long An also document hundreds of new cases daily, putting mounting pressure on the medical sector.
Elsewhere, many new cases are also detected in other localities across the south, central and northern regions.
Vietnam aims to vaccinate 70% of its population, or approximately 75 million people, to achieve herd immunity by early 2022.
