Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc delivers a speech at a teleconference on COVID-19 prevention and control. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — The most important task at this crucial time was promoting unity, solidarity and cooperation throughout the country to cope with any pandemic situation, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said at a teleconference with the five centrally-run cities – Hà Nội, HCM City, Hải Phòng, Cần Thơ and Đà Nẵng – on Sunday.

He stressed that the next 15 days would be a crucial time to determine the success of the battle.

Underlining the important role of localities in the fight, the PM said their proposals and reports had helped the Government and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control put forth practical measures against the pandemic.

He spoke highly of the health sector and localities for treating COVID-19 cases, especially critically ill people. So far, Việt Nam had recorded no deaths, he said.

Following the Prime Minister’s directions, localities have carried out effectively quarantine, social distancing, and closure of unnecessary services, while maintaining the supply of essential goods for people.

Cities had also been paying more attention to the spiritual life of health workers and those who were directly engaged in the battle such as public security and military forces, Phúc said.

The Government leader hailed the communications sector for handling false information, especially fake news on social media.

He asked ministries, departments and localities to heighten vigilance in the spirit of “fighting the pandemic is like fighting the enemy”.

The PM recalled the 12 day-and-night victory of Điện Biên Phủ in the Air in 1972, stressing that the country now had 15 days or more to fight the pandemic, striving to prevent its spread to protect the health and lives of people.

This was a heavy responsibility but also an honour for the whole political system, he said.

He suggested building specific solutions for each city based on the developments of the disease, focusing on inspections of high-risk infection places such as buildings, offices, residential areas, markets, shopping centres, hospitals and urban areas.

The PM ordered strong and comprehensive measures to stem the outbreaks at Bạch Mai Hospital in Hà Nội and Buddha Bar in HCM City.

Praising the efforts of the health sector, the PM asked it to improve on-the-spot testing capacity, deliver rapid diagnosis of suspected cases, and raise the treatment capacity of medical facilities at all levels, provide training for doctors and nurses, even retired ones, as well as stand ready to cope with the worst scenario.

He agreed to suspend flights to Việt Nam and minimise the number of flights to and from Hà Nội and HCM City during the next two weeks, excluding special ones.

The PM asked the Ministry of Transport to tighten medical control and limit the number of passengers on trains and cars.

He also asked the health, military, public security and border guard sectors and localities to pay more attention to the safety of those on the frontline of the COVID-19 fight.

It is necessary to ensure social welfare for workers at industrial parks and remove difficulties for businesses, he said.

Major cities should continue reducing business services, simplifying administrative procedures, and promoting the use of online public services over the next 15 days, he added. — VNS