Launching seven specialized task forces to address the South's urgent tasks

The paper was sent to seven Cabinet members: the Ministers of National Defense, Industry and Trade, Agriculture and Rural Development, Transport, Construction, Information and Communication, and Labor - Invalids and Social Affairs. The Prime Minister directed the ministries to quickly establish "specialized working groups" to address Covid-19 prevention and response in Ho Chi Minh City.

Each specialized working group will be headed by a deputy minister to engage closely with the authorities in the Metropolis and Southern provinces, particularly in areas where Directive 16 is implemented.

The launch seeks to anticipate and resolve emerging challenges linked to pandemic prevention and control, as well as associated problems.

The Prime Minister directed that these specialized working groups keep the relevant Ministers and the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control informed of the situation daily. Additionally, each must promptly suggest and recommend problems beyond its jurisdiction to offer timely and effective assistance and service for pandemic prevention and control.

Regarding the establishment of seven specialized working groups as a critical and urgent task, the Prime Minister urged Ministers to concentrate on directing and early promotion of the specialized working groups' effectiveness in preventing and combating the pandemic in Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces.

Previously, the Ministry of Health created a special standing department in Ho Chi Minh City in mid-June, headed by Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son, to assist the city in combating the pandemic. On July 18, the Ministries of Agriculture and Rural Development and Industry and Trade established working groups to direct agricultural output and link supply and demand for agricultural goods.

Deputy Minister Tran Thanh Nam chairs the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development's special working committee. Le Van Thanh, Chief of the Ministry's Office, as Deputy.

The Prime Minister declared a quarantine of 19 southern provinces and towns on July 17. The Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee determines the application deadline, although it must not be later than 0 a.m. on July 19. This is the second time that dozens of provinces and towns have implemented Directive 16 concurrently since the Covid-19 epidemic began in Vietnam.

The Covid-19's condition is uncertain. On July 18, Vietnam reported 5,926 new infections, including 39 quarantined cases immediately upon arrival and 5,887 cases throughout 33 provinces and cities, the majority of which are located in Ho Chi Minh City (4,692 cases).

In Hanoi, the local Individuals' Committee issued a paper on July 18 evening, urging residents to remain at home, refrain from gatherings of more than five people at work, schools, or hospitals, and maintain a minimum distance of two meters as of 0 a.m. on July 19.