Speaking at an online working session between the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and representatives from ministries and agencies, the PM ordered scenarios to guarantee safety during the upcoming elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for 2021-2026.He said under the Party leadership and with joint efforts of the Government and authorities at all levels and people, Vietnam has basically contained the pandemic.Chinh said the new locally-transmitted infections were partially due to the lax attitude of many localities, authorities, Party organisations and people, plus the long holidays.The leader stressed the need to stay calm and keep a cool head to assess the situation and take suitable methods, thus fulfilling the goals of socio-economic development and COVID-19 combat.
Technological measures should be stepped up in the pandemic fight, he said, emphasising the importance of observing the Ministry of Health’s 5K message - khau trang (facemask), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distance), khong tu tap (no gathering) and khai bao y te (health declaration), plus the vaccination drive.Cities and provinces need to improve their testing, quarantine and forecasting capacity, and put forth scenarios, the PM said, asking them to minimise adverse socio-economic impact of social distancing and seriously follow quarantine regulations.Chinh also urged the Ministry of Public Security to work harder so as to prevent illegal immigration.Regarding COVID-19 vaccines, he said the Government and the committee are making efforts in negotiations to soon acquire more vaccines.