At this rate, the city is on the road to control the outbreak before August 25 according to the Government’s Resolution 86.

Health workers take samples for Covid-19 testing. Photo: Pham Hai

According to Resolution 86, Hanoi is named in the group of provinces and cities that must strive to control the epidemic before August 25, while the city's second social distancing is scheduled to end at 6 a.m. on August 23.

After 20 days of social distancing, Hanoi has basically controlled the situation and is deploying a large-scale testing to thoroughly separate F0 cases from the community. The rate of one F1/10,000 people is a low rate and is within the city’s forecast.

Dr. Tran Dac Phu - former Director of the Department of Preventive Medicine, Senior Advisor of the Vietnam Public Health Events Emergency Response Center – says that Hanoi can achieve the goal in Resolution 86. However, he emphasized some key measures that Hanoi needs to take.

Firstly, keep implementing strict social distancing measures. Hanoi still has infection cases in the community, which can be detected through extensive testing and medical screening. Only social distancing can cut off the infection.

Secondly, to create "green zones" (epidemic free) managed by the people themselves, so that if there are infection cases in the community, they cannot break out.

Thirdly, people have to strictly perform the "5K" message (masks - disinfection - distance - no gathering - medical declaration).

In addition, Hanoi will continue to test on a large scale in certain areas, with certain subjects while still tracing F0 cases. Testing is very important to assess the epidemic situation and to take timely measures.

Phu says that, after social distancing, the city should loosen activities slowly. Those that have a high risk of spreading the virus such as mass gatherings or blocked areas should not be re-opened at first.

In addition, vaccinations are the most sustainable way to prevent disease. Hanoi needs to vaccinate as quickly as possible as many people as possible to achieve herd immunity.

According to Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dinh Tien Dung, at this time, social distancing is the most important measure to quell outbreaks and protect people's health and safety.

"The urgent task of the whole political system and the entire people of the capital at this time is to strictly abide by the principle of people isolated from people, families isolated from families, and stay where you are, he said.

Huong Quynh

Hanoi takes action to expand ‘green zones’

Hanoi is determined to separate F0 cases from the community, thoroughly trace F1 (F0 contacts), localize and scale down ‘red zones’, and protect and expand ‘green zones’, gradually stopping the Covid-19 outbreak.