Social distancing measures must be strictly implemented in high-risk areas

Social distancing measures should be implemented strictly in high-risk areas to not prolong the social distancing period, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam said at a meeting with experts of the Vietnam Medical Association on pandemic prevention and control measures in the new situation.

Empty streets during social distancing in Binh Duong (Photo: VNA)
Empty streets during social distancing in Binh Duong (Photo: VNA)

He stressed the importance of speeding up testing in high-risk areas, with all residents be tested three times in seven days, and priority given to PCR testing method.

Experts and scientists predicted that the COVID-19 pandemic will continue for a long time, with the possible emergence of new variants of SARS-CoV-2. So there is a need for adjustments in anti-pandemic solutions and strategies in the new situation.

Localities that are curbing the disease well should maintain the early detecting, tracing and quarantine, and effective treatment. For such current pandemic hotspots as Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Long An, it is necessary to focus on controlling the sources of infection to reduce the numbers of new cases and deaths, accelerating vaccination, and then gradually resume production and business activities in line with the new normal. A safety belt will be established around safe areas to strictly control people entering and leaving them, and preventing the disease from spreading to other localities.

Experts also stressed the need to have mechanisms to mobilise private medical resources to participate in the treatment of COVID-19 patients as well as pandemic prevention and control.

Over the past time, 23 provinces and cities have imposed social distancing, achieving certain results in slowing down the spread of the disease.