In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Minister Long said that Vietnam is facing a high risk of another COVID-19 from outside, as within the past 24 hours, India reported over 340,000 new cases, Cambodia confirmed more than 600 cases, and Laos saw the highest-ever rise in the number of infections.

Mr. Long urged people to stay vigilant against the spread of the virus while strictly implementing preventive measures.

The Minister said that a number scenarios have been built in case the pandemic occurs in localities, especially in the southwestern region.

Tight control over entry activities has been carried out in border localities but controlling illegal entry into Vietnam through the sea border is a great challenge, especially in Kien Giang province, where quarantine facilities in its Ha Tien city is becoming overloaded, he said.

A field hospital has been set up in the southwestern region to be ready to treat COVID-19 patients, said Minister Long.