Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has emphasised the need toreduce mass gatherings as Vietnam is ramping up efforts to cope with the threatof the novel coronavirus (nCoV).

Inrecently-issued Notice No. 156/CD-TTg on intensifying the prevention andcontrol of the virus, the Government leader asked nCoV-affected provinces tostop all festivals, even ongoing ones, and close schools.

Thenotice was sent to relevant ministries and People’s Committees of centrally-runcities and provinces, after the declaration of the acute respiratory diseasecaused by 2019-nCoV an epidemic in Vietnam on February 1 by the PM.

Inthe notice, PM Phuc required the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to work withcompetent Chinese agencies on countermeasures and the repatriation ofVietnamese citizens in China via the international border gates of Huu Nghi inLang Son province, Lao Cai in the namesake province, Mong Cai in Quang Ninhprovince, Tay Trang in Dien Bien province and Thanh Thuy in Ha Giang province.

Theministry is also asked to coordinate with the Ministries of National Defenceand Public Security to facilitate the repatriation of Chinese nationals.

TheMinistry of National Defence is instructed to join hands with concerned ministriesand border provinces to closely monitor the exit and entry of passengers at bordergates.

TheHealth Ministry needs to coordinate with the Ministries of Foreign Affairs,National Defence and Public Security, and relevant provincial People’sCommittees to quarantine Vietnamese returning from China for 14 days, the PMsaid.

Othertasks include stepping up nCoV prevention drills and preparing necessarymedical equipment and medicines.

TheMinistry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs was assigned to review thenumber of Vietnamese labourers in China, and report it to the Ministries ofForeign Affairs, National Defene, Public Security and Health, and localities inorder to chart plans in case the labourers need to be repatriated, whileguiding localities and businesses that employ Chinese labourers to takecountermeasures.

Medicalstores that hike up prices of health equipment and those who spread falseinformation about the epidemic must be strictly punished, including legalproceedings if necessary, in line with the law.  

PMPhuc asked localities to instruct people to wear face masks at public areas andon transport means and disinfect community places, especially schools, markets,supermarkets, coach and railway stations, and apartment buildings./.