Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister NguyenXuan Phuc agreed to declare the nationwide COVID-19 epidemic while chairing ameeting of the cabinet in Hanoi on March 30.

Given the complexdevelopments of the disease, the leader order the maintenance of the "magic speed" in the fight and urged prompt actions to stamp out the epidemic, saying all resources must be mobilised for the combat.

Pointing out the massive movement of the people amidst the high risk of transmission, he asked all peopleto stay at home and stop unnecessary services. Meanwhile, agencies, unlesscrucial ones, were advised to let their staff work from home for half a month to come.

He said social distancing is of the utmostimportance to prevent the disease from spreading in the community.

“We cannot be ignorant, we have taken many strongmeasures but on the street there are still many people, on the beach there arestill a lot of people and, in some places, people still do not strictly followthe requirement to not gather in crowds."

Such behaviour was creating a high risk ofinfection, the leader said.

“This is a decisive momentfor the battle against the epidemic.

Therefore, it is a must to pay highattention to the combat,” PM Phuc stressed, urging the health sector to closelycoordinate with Hanoi and the public security force to track people vulnerableto the virus at Truong Sinh Ltd. Co that is now considered a cluster of the epidemic.

Phuc suggested continuing tocall on people who had visited the Hanoi-based Bach Mai Hospital as from March10 to make declarations for the virus testing.

The leader assigned theMinistry of Justice to study and submit a report to the Prime Minister topropose the National Assembly Standing Committee declare an emergency statewhen necessary.

Regarding the quarantinework, the PM emphasised the need to well control Vietnamese citizens returninghome from abroad and quarantine them for 14 days.

Hospitals also need to roll out appropriateregulations to avoid infections from individuals who visit the hospitals.

Speaking of social security, the PM said theGovernment will discuss this issue on April 1, firstly focusing on the people withvery low incomes.

He asked relevant agencies to ensure thesupply of essential commodities and food, and to ensure appropriate pricesand quality.

The leader urged the media to continue providingaccurate information so the people can rest assured, understand, support andvoluntarily implement the policies of the Government and the National Steering Committeefor COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

PM Phuc ordered the Bach Mai Hospital to welltreat patients in need of critical care, while ensuring safety for its staffand patients.

It is noteworthy that he asked insurancebusinesses not to offer packages relating to COVID-19.

As of 11:00 on March 30, therehad been a total of 28 COVID-19 cases linked to the Bach Mai Hospital, including22 employees of Truong Sinh Company./.