Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam makes a speech at the working session with leaders of northern Vĩnh Phúc Province on the fight against the novel coronavirus on Monday. — VNA/VNS Photo

VĨNH PHÚC — Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam said the northern province of Vĩnh Phúc should continue its efforts and determination to curb the novel coronavirus (2019-nCoV) epidemic, especially observation and isolation of suspected cases to avoid further spreading the virus.

Đam, who is also head of the steering committee in charge of fighting against the respiratory illness, made the statement on Monday at a working session with Vĩnh Phúc Province.

A total of ten patients in Vĩnh Phúc Province tested positive for the novel coronavirus by Tuesday. Of those, eight were from Bình Xuyên District, one from Tam Dương District and one from Tam Đảo District.

The latest patient, who is also the youngest case recorded so far, is a three-month-old baby from Bình Xuyên District. The baby was found to be infected with the virus shortly after the baby’s grandmother tested positive.

Speaking at the session, Đam spoke highly of the province’s efforts in controlling the epidemic. He asked the province to focus on preventing the spread of the virus, especially to medical staff, and take better care of the elderly, children, and people with weak health.

The police and military forces should co-operate with local authorities in infected areas to get involved in the fight against the epidemic. Local people needed to have a clear understanding on preventive measures provided by authorities.

The Government would set up a working team based in Vĩnh Phúc Province to support the prevention and control of the epidemic, he added.

Currently, the number of suspected cases in the locality is 54. All these patients, including the mother of the baby, are being quarantined at a local health centre. Both are in stable health condition.

The province has set up a health facility that can quarantine up to 500 people. — VNS