In response to the complicated situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, as the goal of protecting and taking care of the people's health is first and foremost, according to the proposal of the Minister of Health and unanimous opinion of the Government Standing Committee, the Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directs as follows:

1. Concur to apply social distancing measures across the province and city in accordance with the Prime Minister's Directive No. 16/CT-TTg (hereinafter referred to as Directive 16) to the following provinces/cities:  together with Ho Chi Minh City and  Binh Duong, Dong Nai provinces which have implemented the Directive, the following cities and provinces shall be supplemented: Binh Phuoc, Tay Ninh, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Tien Giang, Long An , Vinh Long, Dong Thap, Ben Tre, Hau Giang, An Giang, Bac Lieu, Soc Trang, Tra Vinh, Ca Mau, Kien Giang.

The social distancing duration is 14 days.

The time to start applying social distancing measures to the above-mentioned additional provinces and cities shall be decided by the Presidents of the provincial People's Committees, but not later than 0:00 on July 19, 2021.

With regard to provinces and cities that are applying the social distancing measures before the date of this document, based on pandemic developments and results of pandemic prevention and control in the area, the President of provincial People's Committee shall proactively report to the competent authority before deciding to either continue implementing the existing social distancing measures or to extend the social distancing duration in the same manner as the additional provinces and cities mentioned above.

2. Ministries and central agencies, based on their assigned functions, tasks and powers, and the direction and assignment of the Prime Minister, proactively, closely, and effectively coordinate with local governments to strictly and effectively implement the Directive 16, ensure the supply of medical supplies, equipment, and human resources, especially medical staff, doctors, officials and health workers; ensure security, safety, social security, take care of the people's material and spiritual life, do not let any person lacks food, clothing or essentials; pay special attention to improving treatment efficiency, prioritizing resources for severe cases.

3. During the implementation of social distancing, the Prime Minister requests local governments to direct the rigorous and effective implementation of Directive 16, and note that:

a) Take drastic measures to eliminate the situation of “tight control outside but lax control inside”; clearly define the contact points and responsibilities of each agency, organization, individual and level of government, especially the political system at grass-roots levels, ensure centralized and unified leadership, and give timely commendation and strict disciplinary actions.

b) Strengthen inspection and supervision, urge the strict implementation of the directives of superiors, requirements pertaining to social distancing, especially the distance between person-to-person and family-to-family, and prevent mass gatherings as prescribed.

c) Pay attention to social security, especially ensuring timely and adequate supply of food, essentials for the people, especially for the poor, people who suffer hardships, people who lost their jobs due to the pandemic.

d) Maintain the level of peace and security as highest as possible; ensure the safe production and circulation of goods within the province/city with other provinces/cities; only authorize production and business operations of facilities that meet pandemic prevention and control requirements and laws; prevent oversupply or scarcity of goods, as well as traffic congestion.

dd) Based on the results of the implementation of Directive 16 in each province/city, the President of province/central-affiliated city shall promptly report the Prime Minister and the Head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and modify the solutions to be effective and appropriate to the circumstances.

4. In the context of urgent prevention and control of the pandemic due to the new strain of Delta virus, which develops rapidly, strongly, unpredictably and under adverse conditions; with the goal of putting the people’s health and life first and foremost, the Prime Minister calls on the people and business community to promote the spirit of great national unity, self-reliance; share, support, respond and strictly follow the Directive 16, only go out of the house if absolutely necessary and strictly follow 5K message. The implementation of Directive 16 is not only a duty but also a right of every citizen, for the benefit of the community and the development of the country.

5. Designate Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam and the Head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control to, in person, direct the heads of ministries, central authorities, and local governments to organize the implementation, and on behalf of the Prime Minister to solve urgent problems and newly arising issues within the competence.

6. Deputy Prime Ministers, members of the Government, and leaders of provinces/cities shall strictly follow the direction and assignment of the Prime Minister in pandemic prevention and control./.

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