Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, who is also Head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, chaired a teleconference with authorities of six provinces in the southern part of the Hau River regarding COVID-19 response on July 22.
Local leaders said that the outbreaks in the area have been basically put under control, with most of the infections identified being linked to Ho Chi Minh City – the country’s current hotbed for coronavirus infections in the fourth wave.
As the locales are implementing strict social distancing rules set under Directive 16/CT-TTg issued by the PM, economic activities, agricultural production and industry are still be maintained with specific epidemic prevention and control plans, along with practical support for the people's daily living, especially the poor.
Noting that the provinces on the southern bank of Hau River have strictly implemented Directive 16, Deputy PM Dam stated that the goals for this social distancing period is to prevent the disease from spreading from Ho Chi Minh City to other provinces and cities and vice versa, creating a smooth and safe flow of goods in the region, while the biggest goal is to create a safe and solid "rear area" to support and provide aid to Ho Chi Minh City.
He urged the provinces to synchronously implement Directive 16, operate to the maximum capacity of testing, and strict control people from other places to the localities, in addition to strictly surround and manage the local medical blockade and isolation areas.
Referring to some issues related to the epicentre of COVID-19 infection in Ho Chi Minh City, Dam said that the social distancing ruled under Directive 16 aims to help form an area with a smooth circulation mechanism while still ensuring safety.
"Compared to the provinces on the southern bank of Hau River and other southern localities, the epidemic suppression in Ho Chi Minh City will take longer, requiring a long-term resistance and a safe war zone," Dam emphasised.
