The proposal was made in Dispatch 393/CD-BVHTTDL sent to Chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities on the prevention of the spread of the new coronavirus (nCoV) which causes acute respiratory disease.  

The dispatch said in implementing the Prime Minister’s Directive 06/CT-TTg dated January 31 on intensifying preventive measures in the face of new complicated developments of the nCoV, the Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism asked Chairpersons of People’s Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities to instruct the suspension of upcoming festivals. Any exception should be submitted to the Prime Minister.  

In other news, the Vietnam Writers Association has decided to postpone the annual Poetry Day, which is normally held on the 15th day of the first lunar month, which falls on Saturday, February 8.

The organisers will announce the new date for the event when the nCoV threat subsides.

On his Facebook account, poet Tran Dang Khoa, deputy president of the association, said this is a necessary decision as the epidemic spreads more and more widely.

Khoa wrote that the organisers’ decision aims to ensure safety for international guests, locals and poetry fans all around the country./.

Vietnam stands ready to repel deadly coronavirus: Deputy PM

Vietnam has been all set for the fight against the novel coronavirus (nCoV) that has caused a global public health emergency, said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on February 1.

Vietnam declares novel coronavirus epidemic

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on February 1 signed Decision No.173.QD-TTg, declaring the acute respiratory disease caused by the new coronavirus (nCoV) an epidemic in Vietnam.