Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking at the conference. (Photo: VNA)

Chairing Sunday’s online conference to review COVID-19 prevention and control in localities that are imposing social distancing according to Directive 16, Prime Minister Chinh commended the efforts of all levels, sectors and localities in implementing social distancing, which he said has resulted in initial achievements.

According to the Prime Minister, the anti-pandemic work has no precedent, so we must learn from experience and from what has been proven to be correct in practice. As there is not enough vaccine and special medicine for treatment, the Prime Minister said, social distancing and isolation must be thoroughly implemented and infection cases must be separated from the community by testing and appropriate treatment.

Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said Ho Chi Minh City and the southern provinces, cities and regions need to continue measures to ensure the highest level of prevention and control. Isolation and ring-fencing must be carried out aggressively to gradually reduce new cases, and at the same time improve the medical treatment to reduce deaths.

Leaders of Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi and Da Nang reported the progress of testing and measures to strengthen prevention and control, and food supply for people during the pandemic.