The Vietnamese government has ordered the use of face masks in crowded public places such as supermarkets, airports terminals, train stations, bus stations, and public transport vehicles, effective March 16, in a bolder move to fight Covid-19.

Tourists wear masks when touring the Imperial Citadel of Hue. Photo: Zing

In addition, all passengers on domestic and international flights to and from Vietnam shall wear face masks throughout the flight and during their stay at the airport terminals.

The Ministries of Industry and Trade and of Health are responsible for ensuring the supply of quality face masks, the government said in a directive.

In addition, the Ministry of Transport is asked to request aviation companies and airlines to provide free face masks for passengers, including foreigners who enter Vietnam, and require passengers to wear facemasks during the flight and when entering the terminals.

At a government meeting on Covid-19 prevention and control held earlier this week in Hanoi, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked to review and raise the level of the epidemic prevention and control scenario, anticipate situations, urgently prepare the best resources and facilities, be ready to act in case of a large-scale outbreak,  ensure a quick and timely response.

The Vietnamese government has decided to “sacrifice short-term economic benefits to control and prevent the epidemic, to best protect the life and health of people, successfully implementing the “double target” of epidemic prevention and socio-economic development.”

To minimize sources of infection from overseas, ministries, agencies and People’s Committees of localities, according to their assigned functions and tasks, are asked to concentrate on directing the effective implementation of solutions including restricting entry of people from epidemic-hit areas; reduce flights from epidemic areas to and from Vietnam to curb sources of infection from outside; strictly enforce immigration procedures, especially medical declaration.

The Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control was assigned to direct the procurement of a number of necessary equipment for treatment, prevention and control of the epidemic.

Online studying, reduce the course

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has required thorough application of information technology in socio-economic management, provision of public services, and e-transactions. The Ministry of Education and Training is asked to promote online learning, reduce the course, shorten the learning time while ensuring the quality of learning and properly handle recommendations of international schools as prescribed.

PM Phuc agreed with the Steering Committee of Covid-19 Prevention and Control’s proposal on using state budget to fund treatment costs for patients who are not covered by health insurance while the Health Insurance will cover costs for treatment of sick people participating in health insurance.