Vice Chairman of Hanoi People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung.

At the meeting of the Hanoi steering committee for Covid-19 epidemic prevention on Monday, Vice Chairman Dung said that based on the general situation in the country and Hanoi in particular, the risk of an outbreak returning in Hanoi will remain high in the coming time. Dung pointed out several reasons: illegal migrants; the entry of foreign experts; and the current outbreak in Hai Duong province.

Dung told local officials preventing epidemics is a top priority. Local agencies were requested to ensure local people’s awareness and vigilance against COVID-19.

Local organizations, enterprises, and agencies must continue to strictly follow the 5K recommendation, and make medical declarations via QR Code. Relevant bodies must regularly inspect public sites and hospitals, and strictly handle violations. Local police agencies must strictly punish illegal migrants.

Vice Chairman Dung agreed with the proposal of Hoan Kiem district to reopen Hoan Kiem pedestrian street from March 12, on the condition of ensuring epidemic prevention.

My Duc District Vice Chairman Dang Van Canh told the meeting that district authorities plan to re-open the Huong pagoda from March 13.

Hanoi Vice Chairman Dung said that the city permitted reopening of relic sites from March 8. However, district authorities should base their decisions on their actual situation.

Regarding vaccinations, Dung told districts to propose lists of people for vaccination in the first phase based on the spirit of fairness and transparency. The preservation and provision of vaccines must strictly be in line with the guidance of the Ministry of Health.

In the first phase of vaccination, Hanoi will be allocated 8,000 doses of vaccine. The Department of Health plans to vaccinate 7,235 people who are at high risk of exposure to the disease. Vaccinations will be conducted from March 9-18.

Those who are vaccinated during this phase include people working in health facilities who have direct contact with patients or suspected cases and those who participate in epidemic prevention activities.

Huong Quynh

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