Border localities have been asked to step up communication works and inspection of food safety and hygiene in markets. Dang Huy Hau, Vice chairman of the provincial People’s Committee, has called for increased communication for the public. He also underscored the need to assign members of the steering committee to take more responsibilities in supervising the development of the disease. Hau stressed the importance of controlling the epidemic to minimize its spread. All hospitals in Ha Giang province have been urged to prepare enough personnel, medicine, equipment, and isolation areas to receive patients.

Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development and Head of the National Steering Committee on avian influenza prevention, Cao Duc Phat, gave direction at a meeting to discuss preparations against avian flu in Hanoi on Thursday: “We must prevent the infiltration of the avian flu virus in the trading of poultry across the border. Poultry imports must be banned in all forms. Ministries and agencies will be asked to take drastic measures to prevent the cross border trading and transport of poultry and poultry products.”

The National Steering Committee on avian influenza prevention schedules to issue a draft action plan for ministries, sectors, and localities to implement.