PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the meeting (Photo: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, whilechairing a cabinet meeting in Hanoi on May 7, spoke of easing certain measures introducedto tackle the COVID-19, includingthe removal of social distancing measures at schools.
Three weeks have passed without any new infections in thecommunity, he said, adding that Vietnam has largely contained the pandemic,which enables the resumption of daily activities.
He warned, however, of the high risk of transmissionfrom outside of the country, given the complexity of the fight against the COVID-19in the region and the world while a vaccine is yet to be found.
Social distancing measures suitable to the new normalcircumstances must therefore be maintained in education and training and socio-economicsectors, the PM ordered.
He asked border provinces to reopen only auxiliary bordergates and those with huge flows of goods, especially farm produce, fisheries products,and essential materials serving domestic production, while ensuring diseaseprevention and control.
Only goods - no passengers - are allowed to enterVietnam, he emphasised.
In tourism, the PM urged the Ministry of Culture,Sports and Tourism to boost the domestic market, especially during the summerholidays, and to map out plans to restart international markets at a suitabletime.
Vietnamese citizens stranded abroad will be broughthome in line with domestic quarantine capacity, he explained.
The leader also directed the prevention of violations onfinancial management regulations during the fight against the pandemic.
Greater effort is needed, he went on, in maintaining theachievements made in fighting the outbreak, in particular the prevention ofinfections within the community and the prompt action taken to deal with the consequencesof the disease.
He also stressed theimportance of rebuilding the economy in the post-COVID-19 period.
“Speeding up economicrecovery and building the country is an important priority that requires focus ofauthorities at all levels while not ignoring anti-pandemic measures,” PM Phucsaid.
He reiterated certain prevention measures such as keepingpeople arriving from abroad in quarantine facilities for 14 days, except for experts,skilled workers and investors who will be in on-site quarantine, wearing masks inpublic places, and maintaining the operation of rapid response groups.
It is not compulsory for students to wear masks whilein classrooms, the PM said, requesting that personal hygiene be practiced amongstudents and disinfection measures taken at schools.
The PM allowed the resumption of previously disallowedservices, except discos and karaoke parlours, and sporting events, and the liftingof restrictions on the number of passengers in public transport vehicles.
He emphasised that financial support packages mustbecome effective ahead of his conference with businesses slated for May 9, and orderedthe implementation of social welfare packages for people rendered jobless byCOVID-19./.
VNA
