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Gov’t chief demands strict punishment for those intentionally hiding COVID-19 symptoms

VGP – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has demanded strict punishment for those who deliberately hide symptoms related to the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

March 09, 2020 11:17 AM GMT+7

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc presides over a meeting on COVID-19 prevention and control at the Government Heaquarters in Ha Noi on March 9, 2020. Photo: VGP

     >>> One more tested positive for COVID-19, total rises to 30

The Government chief stressed the point at a meeting on COVID-19 prevention and control in Ha Noi on Monday morning.

He called for more drastic, comprehensive and prompt measures to effectively contain the virus in order to protect lives and health of citizens.

Under current regulations, the COVID-19 is considered one of the group-A infectious diseases in Viet Nam. Group A diseases are the extremely dangerous infectious diseases that can transmit very rapidly and spread widely with high mortality rates.

According to lawyer Dang Van Cuong, the Law on infectious disease prevention and control stipulates that a citizen who has in contact with patient having infectious disease shall be subject to mandatory health quarantine as soon as he/she returns to Viet Nam.

If an incoming traveler from epidemic affected areas show symptoms like cough and fever upon arriving in Viet Nam but fail to fill in health declaration form or follow quarantine regulations, he/she shall be fined in accordance with the Government’s Decree No. 176/2013/ND-CP.

Those who fail or refuse to comply with regulations on isolation and mandatory isolation shall be fined from up to VND 5,000,000.

In addition, one may be subject to criminal prosecution if he/she deliberately evades measures on epidemic prevention and control, according to Decision No. 173/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister dated February 1  declaring COVID-19 epidemic in Viet Nam.

Meanwhile, one who spreads contagious diseases to other persons shall be fined between VND 50,000,000 to VND 200,000,000 or sentenced from 1 year to 5 years in prison, stipulates the Criminal Code.

He/she shall be sentenced to imprisonment of up to 10 years if the above act leads to declaration of epidemic by Chairman of provincial People’s Committee or by Minister of Health, or causes the death of other.

He/she shall be sentenced to imprisonment of up to 10 years to 12 years if his act results in declaration of epidemic by the Prime Minister or causes death to at least two persons.

Viet Nam reported 14 new infection cases over the weekend, including 9 foreign nationals who were on the same flight VN0054 with a 26-year old woman tested positive for the virus on Friday./.

By Huong Giang