Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at online meeting between the Government and localities on COVID-19 prevention and control, February 15, 2021 (Photo: VGP)

“The vaccination for people now becomes urgent. After this meeting, the Government will convene a separate meeting to discuss more specific ways to quickly get vaccines for the people,” said Prime Minister Phuc.

Chairing an online meeting between the Government and localities on COVID-19 prevention and control on Monday (the 4th day of the Lunar New Year holiday), Prime Minister Phuc applauded the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the localities for their urgent and aggressive actions, including social distancing. Thousands of medical staff have been deployed to  epidemic-hit localities. Even during Tet holiday, many localities did not put on fireworks displays and organize festivals to avoid crowd gatherings.

The Prime Minister asked localities to deal with violations of epidemic prevention regulations, especially not wearing a mask in public places.

The Ministry of Health has announced 5K (in Vietnamese) Khau trang (facemask)- (Khu khuan) disinfection- (Khoang cach) distance- (Khong tu tap) no gathering – (Khai bao y te) health declaration.

Regarding a Japanese man, 54 years old, who was found dead in a hotel in Hanoi on Saturday and tested positive for COVID-19, the Ministry of Health said this case should be considered a community infection. It urged for zoning, isolating, taking test samples, and tracking the patient's contacts. Local authorities should continue to be vigilant and closely monitor cases imported from abroad from January 15 to now, said the Ministry.