Many cities and provinces in Vietnam are at risk of coronavirus outbreak and the people should change their habits and tighten preventive measures to live with the virus, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has warned.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, head of the National Steering Committee on Covid-19 Prevention and Control, at the meeting on Aug 14. Photo: VGP

In the time to come, Vietnam might not enjoy days without local infections like before, thus a higher alert level is needed, Mr. Dam, who heads the National Steering Committee on Covid-19 Prevention and Control, said at a meeting on Friday.

In the context of potential risks, people should “live safely with the pandemic,” the Deputy PM noted.

Officials at the meeting were aware of the long battle against the pandemic at a time when Vietnam has limited resources. Therefore, the government would raise the warning level to keep both authorities and people vigilant on Covid-19 and get ready to cope with new outbreaks. This will be accompanied by better implementation of precautionary measures.

In addition, the dissemination of the protective measures must be promoted and strict punishment should be applied to violators.

Tightening control over immigrants

Authorized agencies are required to toughen control over foreign experts, investors, and skilled workers in terms of quarantine and implementation of preventive measures.

Other measures such as quick testing at airports and putting electronic wristbands on passengers to enforce coronavirus quarantine will also be considered.

The proposal was made after local police found out violations of immigration regulations. Some even have taken advantage of Vietnam's policy to smuggle foreign people into Vietnam, posing threats of coronavirus transmission.

The resurgence of SARS-CoV-2 in the community after 99 days of no infections has force several localities in Vietnam to be isolated like the beach city of Danang, Hoi An city of Quang Nam province, Dong Ha town of Quang Tri, Hai Duong city of Hai Duong, and some smaller areas.

As of August 15, Vietnam confirmed 930 infections, including 22 deaths.