PM warns about consequences of public apathy to COVID-19
VOV.VN - Though Vietnam has acquired experience with regard to COVID-19 control, it will pay a high price if people show a complacent attitude towards the pandemic, according to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh.
PM Chinh made the warning in Hanoi on August 6 while chairing a meeting of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control amid fears of a possible new outbreak.
A new wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has spread globally following the emergence of numerous sub variants of the Omicron virus. Indeed, some of these sub variants such as BA.4 and BA.5 have also been recorded in the country.
Most notably, the daily number of COVID-19 infections has shown signs of rising in various localities in recent times. Statistics provided by the Ministry of Health indicate that more than 2,000 cases have been documented daily over the last few days, a record high compared to figures logged three months ago.
The actual figure may be far larger as many infected people do not inform relevant health authorities and they opt for home treatment instead.
“Vaccination is the decisive weapon,” said PM Chinh while recalling the results Vietnam has recorded from previous outbreaks.
He pointed out that the Government has released a number of telegrams requesting localities to speed up the vaccination process for local residents. However, the ultimate goal has yet to be achieved, he noted.
In fact, Vietnam has basically completed offering people two basic vaccine doses, although the inoculation of the third and fourth booster shots is progressing at a snail’s pace.
“We have been recognised globally for high vaccination coverage and the vaccination campaign must be stepped up,” stressed the PM who also urged the health sector and people to make greater strides in meeting this goal.
He asked localities to improve the capacity of preventive medicine and the grassroots-level health system, and increase allowances for healthcare workers, while also continuing to garner international support for the fight against the virus.
The PM especially emphasised the necessity of renewing communication campaigns to raise public awareness about the possible recurrence of the pandemic. He also warned about the emergence of new infectious diseases, such as influenza (type A), dengue fever, and monkeypox, which together with the possible return of the COVID-19 outbreak could cause the local health system to deteriorate.
“We will pay a high price if there is public apathy,” warned the government leader.