Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc this afternoon agreed to announce nationwide pandemic. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc this afternoon agreed with the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control's proposal to announce a nationwide pandemic and required public transport to cease operations.

The PM said this is a crucial time to fight COVID-19 and asked the political system and authorities at all levels to concentrate on the battle.

He said social distancing is of the utmost importance to prevent the disease from spreading in the community.

“We cannot be ignorant, we have many strong measures but on the street still there are many people, on the beach there are still a lot of people and in some places, people still do not strictly follow the requirement to not gather in crowds."

He said such behaviour was creating a high risk of infection.

The Prime Minister emphasised that residents must stay right where they are for at least the next 15 days to prevent further infection.

Agencies should arrange staff to work at home and handle work through telecommunication except for the utmost important tasks that require on-the-spot presence like processing confidential documents, essential services and production for the economy.

He stated that the country should basically stop public transportation and minimise the use of personal vehicles. He requested the defence ministry ensure the separation of old and new quarantine zones to avoid cross-infection between former residents and newcomers into quarantine areas.

For hospitals throughout the system, the Ministry of Health should have appropriate regulations to avoid an individual spreads the disease across the hospital.

Regarding social security, the Prime Minister said the Government will discuss this issue on April 1, first of all focusing on people with very low incomes.

The Prime Minister asked relevant agencies to ensure the supply of essential commodities and food and to ensure appropriate prices and quality.

The Prime Minister hoped the media would continue to promote accurate information so the people can rest assured, understand, support and voluntarily implement the policies of the Government and the committee.

Regarding co-operation in manufacturing ventilators, the Prime Minister assigned Deputy Prime Minister Trịnh Đình Dũng to take charge of this issue.

The Prime Minister agreed to allow Bach Mai Hospital to continue to treat patients in need of critical care, requesting the hospital strictly take care of the safety of health care workers and patients.

The Prime Minister also agreed with the steering committee's proposal to stop insurance businesses from selling insurance packages specifically for COVID-19. — VNS