The 19th meeting of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. Photo: Duong Giang/VNA

PM Chinh, who is Head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, chaired the 19th meeting of the Steering Committee with 63 provinces and cities.

He urged for vigilance as the upcoming holidays’ much stronger demand for trade and tourism plus changing weather will be favorable conditions for the spread of infectious diseases. Particularly children with weak immune systems and the elderly with underlying medical conditions are susceptible to infections.

“Definitely do not let the epidemics occur during the New Year and the Lunar New Year, encourage people to get vaccinated fully and on schedule. Absolutely, do not be complacent to the epidemics, especially the COVID-19. Solutions should be in place to ensure food hygiene and safety. This will help limit the spread and the consequences of a disease if it occurs. Prevention is better than cure. It’s imperative to ensure social security during the New Year festivals, leaving no one behind,” PM Chinh said.