HCM City proposes to find own Covid-19 vaccine sources

Authorities in HCM City have asked for the government's approval to search and buy Covid-19 vaccines for local residents itself.

Authorities in HCM City have asked for the government's approval to search and buy Covid-19 vaccines for local residents itself.

  

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Chairman of HCM City People's Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong submitted the proposal to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh during a recent meeting about the socio-economic situation in the first quarter.

"Our preventive measures have been implemented well. We’re willing to sacrifice short-term profits for long-term development," Phong said.

HCM City has reported 267 Covid-19 cases since the start of the pandemic including 69 community cases, 194 imported cases and four cross-infection cases inside Vietnam Airlines' quarantine centre.

Since late April, outbreaks have been detected in various parts of Vietnam. Thanks to quick responses, HCM City has only detected one community case. From April 30 to May 10, the authorities carried out tests at vulnerable locations such as shopping centres, hotels, dormitories for workers and industrial zones. A total of 15,254 samples have been taken and 13,434 have been tested negative so far.

By May 12, the city gave vaccine shots to 59,900 people working on the frontline. However, as the world and national situations have developed, the risks are still very high. Phong asked to grand the city autonomy to find and secure vaccines by itself with private funds.

In the meantime, the city will continue tightening preventive measures and strictly punish any violators. In order to help firms deal with Covid-19 difficulties, the city will launch a second support package.