He has directed agencies to focus on implementing the key tasks in August and the last months of the year.

He asked departments and agencies to learn from experience and carefully analyze problems in pandemic prevention and fix them. In all situations, people must be on high alert and act rationally. Agencies have been told to regularly review the implementation of tasks and immediately settle problems.

When the situation becomes stable with no new Covid-19 cases found, it is necessary to take stringent security precautions to protect anti-pandemic achievements and minimize weak spots through which the virus may penetrate the city.

People who return to Hanoi from pandemic-hit areas must be examined and managed by local authorities. They need to be strictly supervised and taught how to make medical declarations, and must be put under quarantine.

Districts, departments and agencies need to be consistent with anti-pandemic principles ‘3 first’ (recognizing, taking initiative in preventing and fighting the pandemic first; discovering, taking actions and treating first; preparing plans to deal with pandemic outbreaks and materials beforehand) and ‘4 on the spot’ (local forces; local command, local equipment, and on the spot logistics).

Anh told agencies to act in accordance with detailed scenarios, responding to the epidemic depending on levels and and developments. He asked to draw up a backup plan, in case Hanoi has to extend the social distancing time.

Relevant agencies have been asked to take action promptly and drastically when new infection cases are discovered, check F0 epidemiological factors carefully, isolate F1 and F2 cases and related people with the aim of stamping out new hotbeds as soon as possible.

The Covid cluster at No 651 Minh Khai Alley in Hai Ba Trung district and other hotbeds need to be settled immediately so the virus dies not spread to other areas, he said.

The Hanoi Mayor urged examination and testing of all cases with symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath, and other suspected infections in the community.

He focused on the vaccination program in the city, asking to ‘vaccinate people as soon as the vaccines arrive’.

The police need to ensure compliance with social distancing, and maintain checkpoints to inspect 100 percent of vehicles entering and exiting major entrance gates, trails and inland waterways. The Industry and Trade Department must be sure that people can buy essential goods during lockdown days. 

Tran Thuong

Hanoi’s hotel market to welcome new investment despite COVID-19

Despite recording an average occupancy rate of 27% in Q2 2021, the Hanoi hotel sector is still holding on well during the pandemic and is expected to welcome more investors in all segments this year, said Director of Savills Hanoi Matthew Powell.