Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc signed a decision on April 1 declaring the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) a national epidemic, which has already spread to over 20 cities and provinces nationwide with 212 cases of the virus confirmed.
The coronavirus has spread to 25 cities and provinces nationwide
The decision will see the COVID-19 classified as an infectious disease on a global scale that is caused by a the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2, more commonly known as SARS-COV-2. This virus has the ability to be transmitted from human to human and attacks the respiratory system of those it infects.
Under the promulgated Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases, Vietnam has taken a number of steps aimed at combatting the spread of the epidemic, including establishing the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control to streamline policy moving forward.
Soldiers, police officers, and medical workers have been mobilised in an attempt to cordon off and disinfect specific areas which have been hit by the epidemic, whilst moving to place any suspected cases into quarantine, in addition to providing treatment to patients.
The government, ministries, agencies, and localities have been consistently releasing warnings to help keep citizens updated about developments relating to the COVID-19, while also imposing strict measures, including social distancing, in an attempt to bring the epidemic under control.
Experts believe that declaring the COVID-19 a national epidemic is of great significance as it indicates the severity, the rapid transmission, and potential spread of the virus among the community. Moreover, it also displays the government’s strong resolve to pool all resources in the fight to stamp out the epidemic.
The decision comes as the COVID-19 has spread to 25 cities and provinces across the country. As of April 1, Vietnam has recorded a total of 212 infections, of which 63 have been subsequently discharged from hospital.