Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính (centre, standing) chairs an emergency meeting of the Government with the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính on Monday chaired an emergency meeting of the Government with the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control to hear a report on the pandemic.

The meeting also aimed to consider and decide on stronger solutions in the face of current pandemic developments.

At the meeting, government members approved the promulgation of the Resolution to lead and direct the fight against the pandemic nationwide, especially in HCM City and southern provinces.

The PM requested that leadership and direction needed to focus intensively and uniformly across the country, improving the effectiveness and efficiency in the fight against the pandemic. The special task force in HCM City will be led by Deputy Minister of National Defense Võ Minh Lương.

PM Chính directed HCM City and southern provinces to tighten discipline, thereby reducing the rate of infection. The Ministry of Health (MoH) shall assume the prime responsibility for, together with concerned ministries, branches and localities to re-evaluate this virus strain to have suitable countermeasures. The assessment and classification of F0 and F1 should be improved to ensure the best treatment.

Ministries, branches and localities must tighten discipline. Regarding human resources, provinces and cities that have needs must clearly state their specific requirements for doctors, nurses and technicians.

Provinces with human resources must be specific about their ability to support other localities to avoid any waste.

The supply of materials, food and foodstuffs must be ensured. In terms of finances, it is necessary to implement social security well.

"This pandemic has hit big cities with rapid spread, crowded places and industrial zones, so we have to take care of social security in a flexible manner,” said the PM.

Vaccines must be properly distributed in a rapid, safe and effective way, he said.

PM Chính asked the MoH to take care of its duties, not to lack medical human resources, to assess and forecast the situation so that the Government will promptly administer and prepare appropriate measures.

The MoH will co-operate with the Ministry of Science and Technology to accelerate domestic production of vaccines. The Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security shall ensure security and order, especially in quarantine areas. The Ministry of Transport must ensure traffic is smooth and avoid congestion.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade must ensure the supply of essential goods for people, and immediately handle problems. The Ministry of Finance will guide financial regulations clearly but strictly.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has implemented vaccine diplomacy well. The Ministry of Information and Communications will strengthen state management of communications, information analysis, and avoid any misrepresentation.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development will ensure that agricultural products such as food, vegetables and fruits meet the needs of people nationwide.

The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment shall assume the prime responsibility for, together with the MoH and other ministries, in solving waste to protect the environment, especially medical waste in quarantine areas.

Government members will lead and direct ministries and agencies to effectively perform their jobs with a very high sense of responsibility before the Party and people. — VNS