PM requests completion of overall strategy for pandemic control before November 30

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has assigned the Ministry of Health to finalise the overall strategy for COVID-19 prevention and control and submit the final report to the Government and competent authorities for approval before November 30.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking at the virtual meeting. (Photo: VNA)
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking at the virtual meeting. (Photo: VNA)

The Government Office has just issued an announcement conveying the conclusions of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at the virtual meeting between the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 prevention and control and localities nationwide.

According to the announcement, after more than a month of implementing Resolution No. 128, Vietnam has achieved several positive results in pandemic control with decreases in the mortality rate and severe cases while gradually restoring labour and export markets.

However, there remain subjective thoughts, neglect, and loss of vigilance while the preventive medicine system and grassroots health care system both reveal weaknesses. The vaccination and provision of COVID-19 treatment medicine are still slow in some places, failing to meet the general requirements.

The coordination between localities in managing travellers is inadequate, causing inconvenience for many people. Some localities have not effectively organised the reception and classification of COVID-19 patients, leading to delayed access to necessary medical services.

The PM requested the Ministry of Health to review and evaluate the prevention and control of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic to complete the overall strategy for pandemic control and submit findings to the Government and competent agencies before November 30.

The government leader also asked for the acceleration of child vaccinations and the outlining of plans to inject a third dose for the people.

The Ministry of Health was also required to study experiences in other countries to provide guidance on appropriate isolation requirements for fully vaccinated people with negative test result within 72 hours.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment was asked to complete the programme on socio-economic recovery and development and report to the Government before November 30.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs should coordinate with the Ministry of Public Security, Ministry of Health and relevant ministries to soon oversee entry and exit regulations related to “vaccine passports” in accordance with the current situation.