PM issues urgent instructions in response to nCoV

The dispatch was sent to the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Transport, the Foreign Ministry, Nhan Dan (People's) Newspaper, Vietnam News Agency, Vietnam Television, and other ministries and centrally-run provincial People’s Committees.

According to the dispatch, the situation regarding the acute respiratory infection, which is caused by a new strain of Corona virus, has become complicated in China. The dangerous infectious disease caused by the mutated Coronavirus has no specific treatment or preventive vaccine.

The disease spreads from person to person through close contact or saliva. China has so far recorded over 541 cases, including 15 medical staff and 17 deaths. The disease has also been reported in several other countries.

In order to proactively control and prevent the epidemic from spreading into Vietnam, the Prime Minister has requested that the Ministry of Health strictly control passengers entering at border gates. If any suspected cases are detected, the ministry should develop appropriate plans to respond effectively to the situation at hand.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Information and Communications, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs must work closely with the Ministry of Health to provide accurate information and to advise Vietnamese citizens not to travel to the affected areas.

Chairmen of centrally-run provincial People's Committees should direct the epidemic control under the guidance of the Ministry of Health while ensuring the adequate supply of drugs, transport vehicles, equipment and funding for epidemic prevention and control activities in their localities.