COVID-19 hit localities allowed to impose social distancing if necessary

(VOVWORLD) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is allowing localities hit by the current COVID-19 outbreak to take stronger prevention measures, even social distancing if necessary, to contain the pandemic.

PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc at a Government meeting on COVID-19 response on February 8, 2021. (Photo: VGP/Quang Hieu)

The Prime Minister’s direction was given at an online Government meeting after HCM city reported 24 new cases on Sunday night. The third wave of COVID-19 has spread to a dozen provinces and cities including Hanoi, HCM city, and Hai Phong.

“I agree with the Health Ministry’s proposal to buy and distribute AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine to the population in the first quarter of this year," Prime Minister Phuc said, adding, "The Ministry should also respond today to COVID-19 vaccine organizations to secure at least 30 million doses in the first quarter.”

Prime Minister Phuc said with timely and resolute actions, Vietnam will contain the pandemic.