Wearing face masks compulsory in public places: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has issued an urgent telegram, asking localities and people to strictly abide by COVID-19 rules, including wearing face masks in public places, amid rising coronavirus threats from neighbouring countries.

The telegram dated April 23 states that the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving in a complex manner both regionally and globally. In particular, the fresh outbreak is ravaging in some neighboring countries that share a border with Vietnam.

Despite the disease being brought under control locally, Vietnam is likely to face an imminent threat of another outbreak, especially from those who cross the border into the territory, says the telegram. In addition, many people show complacency about the virus while some hesitate to get vaccinated.

To maintain gains, the PM has asked ministries, agencies and localities, as well as people to remain highly vigilant against the possible recurrence of the virus in the community.

Our motto is active prevention, early detection, quick isolation, effective treatment, complete handling, and quick stabilization of the situation, the PM said in the telegram.

He requested the designated agencies and localities to strictly follow the Ministry of Health’s recommendations, including compulsorily wearing face masks in public places and events of large gatherings, or on public transport.

Anti-coronavirus measures must be in place at healthcare facilities, schools, tourist resorts, production workshops, wet markets, supermarkets, airports, and bus stations, and any violations must be dealt with according to the law.

The PM also requested localities to restrict the organization of unnecessary events of large gatherings to nip in a bud a possible recurrence of the virus in the community.

Vietnam has so far brought the COVID-19 pandemic under control in the community, with no new cases detected during the past few weeks. However, an increasing number of Vietnamese people seeking to return home from COVID-19 ravaged neighbouring countries poses a potential risk of a fresh outbreak of the disease.