MoH backs Capital in COVID-19 fight

February 02, 2021 10:00 AM GMT+7

VGP – Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long recommended Ha Noi change preventive measures and double efforts in response to the new COVID-19 outbreak.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long

Minister Long made the point on February 1 in Ha Noi while working with the Ha Noi municipal People’s Committee on COVID-19 prevention. 

Hoang Duc Hanh, deputy director of the Hanoi health department was quoted as saying that Ha Noi confirmed 19 locally transmitted cases from January 27 to February 1. 

The city also verified 15,769 returnees from Chi Linh City, Hai Duong Province (from January 1) and Quang Ninh (January 5). Specifically, 14,652 returnees have been tested, meeting 93% of the total figure. 

The Ministry of Health provided 40,000 test kits to support the Capital. 

Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh reported that the city is crafting Directive 02 to strengthen disease prevention. Previously, five inspection teams were formulated to inspect and direct disease prevention measures at grass-root levels.  

As the new coronavirus variants spread more easily than the regular, Minister Long recommended Ha Noi change preventive measures; trace contacts, zone up areas, and collect samples; block areas with infections.

Minister Long proposed Ha Noi regard all people who have contacts with COVID-19 patients (called F0) as suspected cases. Contact tracing strategy should be applied to people who have contact with F0 (called F1) and other people who have contact with F1 (called F2). 

In addition, strong recommendations should be sent to local residents namely mandatory face coverings at public places, avoidance of mass gatherings, closure of entertainment sites, and travel restriction. 

The Minister also suggested the Capital prepare COVID-19 field hospitals if necessary./.

By Kim Anh 

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