Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Monday directed authorities in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to enforce mandatory face mask laws in public places and sternly penalize the violators.

During an online meeting on preventing and combating the COVID-19 pandemic, Nguyen Thanh Long, Vietnam’s acting Minister of Heath, said his ministry is deeply concerned about the lack of commitment from agencies managing the quarantine of entrants into Vietnam. 

According to Long, residents and even COVID-19 controlling units have started showing negligence in terms of epidemic prevention measures.

The minister suggested that the government continue directing local authorities to maintain adherence to COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Local agencies have been told to enhance monitoring arrivals from abroad who choose to self-quarantine at home. 

Speaking at the conference, Vietnamese Prime Minister Phuc stated that the risk of COVID-19 transmission is still present as the pandemic is showing unpredictable developments on a worldwide scale. 

On top of that, as Vietnam is approaching winter, a favorable condition for virus spread, the premier called on all sectors, authorities at all levels, and the public to identify the risks and remain vigilant against the pandemic. 

Local authorities are required to stiffen anti-epidemic measures in the new scenario, including wearing a face mask, sanitizing, social distancing, restriction of public gatherings, as well as medical declarations.

Local-level agencies are also directed to sternly punish all violations of COVID-19 prevention guidelines.

Residents in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi must wear face masks in public as these are two highly populated areas, which would make it difficult to curb any outbreak, Phuc denoted. 

Meanwhile, other localities should prioritize keeping residents updated on the safety guidelines for COVID-19 prevention.

Relevant agencies of all levels should also maintain the control of entrants into Vietnam through location tracking and supervision to prevent COVID-19 transmission in the community. 

Officials are asked to tell all short-term entrants into Vietnam avoid karaoke parlors, clubs, bars, festivals, and other public gatherings to reduce the risk of community transmission, the prime minister said. 

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