PM Pham Minh Chinh speaks at a cabinet meeting on COVID-19 response, May 24, 2021. (Photo: VNA)

At a cabinet meeting on Monday, he suggested establishing a COVID-19 vaccine fund to mobilize resources for the country’s vaccine strategy.

The pandemic is still under control in Vietnam, the PM said, noting that COVID-19 prevention and control measures have contributed to the success of the National Assembly and People’s Council elections for the 2021-2026 tenure.

“This reflects that Vietnam is on the right track and has taken suitable actions in response to the pandemic,” he said.

The PM, however, pointed out difficulties and limitations in the pandemic fight, especially at industrial parks and in terms of management during and after quarantine.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said most of the COVID-19 cases detected during the fourth wave that began in the country in late April are associated with industrial parks.

COVID-19 variants first found in India and the UK have also been reported in Vietnam since the latest outbreak, he said.  

Long said the fourth pandemic wave is more complex and would last longer than the previous ones. However, it has been basically contained in most affected localities.