Hanoi on August 23 extended its social distancing order for another two weeks until September 6. However, at present, the city is still witnessing a rise in new Covid-19 cases daily sourcing from some big Covid-19 outbreaks.
Thanh Xuan Trung Ward being locked down due to a Covid-19 outbreak
Among those, the outbreak in Thanh Xuan Trung Ward in Thanh Xuan District which was detected on August 23 has recorded up to 379 cases. Other spots are in Van Mieu, Van Chuong, Ngoc Ha and Tan Lap areas.
Most recently, Covid-19 infections have also been confirmed related to a department store in Thanh Xuan District’s Le Trong Tan Street. All people who came to the store on August 20-28 have to quarantine themselves at home and contact local medical agencies for help.
According to the municipal CDC’s deputy director Khong Minh Tuan, the city’s social distancing order may be forced to be extended for at least one week.
“Despite the on-going social distancing measures, it is easy to see many local people still going out. From now to September 4, we will continue assessing the city’s Covid-19 infection risks based on testing results”, Tuan noted.
Associate Prof. Nguyen Viet Hung, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi Infection Control Association, at present, social distancing is a very important solution to Hanoi as the locality’s Covid-19 vaccination coverage remains limited.
Hung suggested easing social distancing regulations in Hanoi’s safe zones. However, local authorities are always willing to lock down these areas whenever they face Covid-19 outbreaks.
According to Hung, it is essential for Hanoi to mitigate the rate of Covid-19-related deaths and patients who need to be hospitalised due to their worsened conditions. This is expected to reduce the pressure for local hospitals.
He also emphasised the necessity to speed up the Covid-19 vaccination among local residents, particularly those who are elderly or have underlying medical issues.
Hung said that the management board of buildings, residential areas and anti-Covid-19 community groups need to tighten control over people’s implementation of Covid-19 prevention and control prevention regulations. In addition, the city should continue providing Covid-19 testing in high-risk areas.
