PM: Localities must enhance COVID-19 fight

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued a directive on several urgent measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, after 83 community transmissions of the SARS-CoV-2 variant were found in the northern provinces of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh on January 27 and 28.
A man is filling in a health declaration at Bach Dang bridge station, Quang Yen township, Quang Ninh province (Photo: VNA)

A man is filling in a health declaration at Bach Dang bridge station, Quang Yen township, Quang Ninh province (Photo: VNA)

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has issued a directive on several urgent measures to fight the COVID-19 pandemic, after 83 community transmissions of the SARS-CoV-2 variant were found in the northern provinces of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh on January 27 and 28. 

In the directive, issued after the detection of the largest number of community transmissions so far, the PM requested a lockdown of the entire Chi Linh city in Hai Duong and a serious application of social distancing measures for 21 days, starting from midday on January 28.

Activities at schools, public spaces, and entertainment areas, and non-essential business operations must be suspended, and so is public passenger transport from Chi Linh to elsewhere, except for public missions or essential cases.

In Quang Ninh, the operation of the Van Don International Airport must be suspended from midday on January 28.

The Chairman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee was required to shut down the establishments that fail to ensure prevention and control measures are followed, rapidly trace F1 and F2 cases, zone off affected areas, conduct testing on a large scale, quarantine for 21 days those who had close contact with patients, and consider imposing social distancing based on the infection risk in each area.

Chairpersons of centrally-run cities and provinces must direct monitoring, prevention and control efforts at medical establishments, schools, industrial parks, factories, and crowded areas; and urge residents to wear masks, avoid public gatherings, and keep a safe distance apart in public spaces. Localities must also enhance inspections and seriously punish violators.

The Ministry of Health was assigned to promptly assist Quang Ninh and Hai Duong in effectively dealing with all contingencies.

The Ministries of National Defense, Public Security, and Health, and the People’s Committees of centrally-run cities and provinces must boost measures to closely control immigration and seriously punish any illegal entry.

VNA

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.