Gatherings of over 20 people banned for two weeks amid spikes of COVID-19 infections

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Photo: VGP

     >>> Seven more COVID-19 infections confirmed, total increases to 148

The Government chief ordered local authorities to temporarily suspend all gatherings of more than 20 people for at least two weeks and temporarily shut down such services like massage parlors, tourist sites, cinemas, restaurants.

Phuc also urged authorities at all levels to accelerate deployment of drastic measures to early detect and isolate stricken areas as the number of infections has increased quickly, from 17 on March 3 to 148 as of March 25.

Major cities like Ha Noi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hai Phong, Can Tho and Da Nang need to temporarily shut down all service facilities except for food, pharmacy, medical treatment services.

Phuc tasked the Ministry of National Defense to set up more quarantine facilities in the central region and southwestern border areas.

In an effort to improve public awareness of the fight against the virus, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on Wednesday called on each citizen to uphold responsibility to protect health and even life of himself and surrounding people as the current COVID-19 fight demands 'high-level of focus.'

The Deputy PM encouraged citizens to stay indoor as much as possible, keep distance from others and wear facemasks, wash hands regularly, clean house, and report medical status./.

By Huong Giang