PM Phuc believes Vietnam has COVID-19 under control

During a cabinet meeting held with the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Hanoi on April 28, PM Phuc said that with 270 active cases being detected among 100 million people nationwide, the nation’s epidemic transmission coefficient can be regarded as the lowest in the world.

“Our effective epidemic measures, alongside low costs, have received praise from international organisations and numerous countries. Up to now, it can be said that Vietnam has basically pushed back the COVID-19,” the government chief emphasized.

One of the main talking points during the cabinet meeting focused on a range of measures to adapt to the "new normal" in an attempt to iron out snags that could occur in production and business activities as a means of creating additional jobs and promoting economic growth.

According to an update released by the National Steering Committee, as of 11am on April 28, over 3 million COVID-19 cases have been recorded across 212 countries and territories worldwide, resulting in 211,609 deaths. Southeast Asia alone has had 40,766 confirmed cases, alongside 1,447 reported fatalities, of which Singapore has since registered the highest number of infections at 14,423, whilst Indonesia has posted the highest death toll with 765.

Domestically, there have been 270 active cases in Vietnam, with the nation going 12 consecutive days with no indication of any community-associated infections since April 17. In addition, 230 cases have gone on to make a full recovery from the deadly virus, while 48 active patients are currently receiving treatment at eight health facilities. There are three severely ill patients being treated, with the 20th and 161st cases practicing breathing without the aid of a ventilator.

Moreover, five relapses are being monitored at health facilities, the steering committee confirmed, therefore demonstrating the complexity of the virus’ transmission mechanism.

As a result of these complicated developments, it is imperative to assess and properly implement anti-epidemic measures in an attempt to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection, especially in terms of community-associated infections where inpiduals display any signs of the virus or mild symptoms.

With regard to amendments made to Resolution No. 20 on mask exports, the Steering Committee agreed to allow enterprises to export medical masks without a limit on quantity or being bound to stick to export conditions. Based on epidemic developments and domestic demand for medical masks, the Ministry of Health will report to the government for a decision on how to apply proper management measures as a way of ensuring there remains an adequate supply for epidemic prevention and control, the committee said.