PM orders drastic measures to fight COVID-19 in Da Nang and other localities

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has stressed the importance of carrying out a score of measures against COVID-19 which is showing increasingly complicated developments.

His remarks came during a cabinet meeting held on July 27 alongside the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, with the Government leader emphasizing the need to focus on handling three major points of infection in the central city of Da Nang, including Da Nang C Hospital, Orthopedic Hospital, and Da Nang General Hospital.

Following three people contracting COVID-19 in Da Nang along with the detection of 12 other suspected cases, the Government has ordered a new period of social distancing in the central city.

This comes following the People’s Committee of Da Nang on the morning of July 26 also announcing a number of measures aimed at curbing the spread of the COVID-19

Local residents have been asked to wear masks when going out, to thoroughly wash their hands with soap, to keep a safe distance when coming into contact with others, and to not gather in crowds exceeding 30 people.

The local steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control has also proposed that all residents inform authorities if they are planning on leaving the city.

All ceremonies involving people gathering in a public place, including religious ceremonies and sporting events, are to be suspended.

Furthermore, non-essential business activities such as entertainment centres, beauty salons, spas, karaoke bars, massage parlous, and nightclubs will also be temporarily closed.

PM Phuc stated that the epidemic situation is becoming increasingly complicated amid a growing number of COVID-19 cases and the emergence of newly detected cases of the SARS-COV-2 virus in Da Nang. Most notably, the health condition of the latest patients is becoming more serious with both individuals needing the aid of ventilators after becoming infected by the virus.

In an effort to cope with the developing situation, the cabinet leader called on all residents to remain vigilant and take drastic epidemic prevention steps in order to prevent the situation worsening throughout the country.

Acting Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long stated that the epidemic could have reappeared in early July, whilst it has yet to be confirmed where the latest outbreak in the community originated from.

In light of recent developments, the Ministry of Health has activated the highest possible measures in a bid to fight the epidemic by asking Da Nang to co-ordinate all efforts to trace the source of community transmission.

The Ministry of Health also suggested that all citizens who have been to Da Nang since July 1 should swiftly complete a health declaration with their local administrations, keep self-monitoring, and remain in self-isolation.