PM ASKS FOR QUICK REPATRIATION OF VIETNAMESE STRANDED AT FOREIGN AIRPORTS

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to have plan to repatriate Vietnamese who are being stranded at foreign airports.

The ministry needs to take effective measures to protect citizens abroad during the epidemic time and encourage them not to return home, except for the elderly, sick people and children under 18.

Foreign diplomats in Viet Nam, who had returned to their countries, are requested temporarily not to come back to Viet Nam during this time until the next announcement is issued, the Government chief said.

He urged the Ministry of Public Security to work with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant agencies to review foreigners who have their temporary residence cards expired in order to create favorable conditions for them to return home.

Foreigners who try to intentionally violate entry and exit regulations shall be resolutely expelled, PM Phuc ordered.

The Ministry of Industry and Trade must accelerate export of medical equipment, including antibacterial and anti-droplet masks countries in need, especially European nations and the US.

Regarding the nation's fight against COVID-19, the Government chief the highest focus from inferior levels to stem external transmission sources while making greater treament efforts to minimize fatality rate.

He asked for tracking down traces related to COVID-19 clusters at Ha Noi's Bach Mai Hospital and Ho Chi Minh City's Buddha Bar to prevent transmission of the virus to communities.

The PM also asked Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung to direct the finalization of a plan on construction of field hospitals and program on manufacturing ventilators to cope with COVID-19.   

As of early April 8, Viet Nam has confirmed 251 COVID-19 infection cases, of whom 126 have been cleared of the virus and exited hospitals.

Source: VGP