No social distancing yet: Hanoi’s top leader confirms

Hanoi’s Party chief has officially rejected rumors of the city’s social distancing, confirming that the situation remains under control.

Secretary of the Hanoi Party’s Committee Dinh Tien Dung checks countermeasures in Thach That district. Photo: Thanh Hai/Kinh Te Do Thi

The city’s countermeasures are working well and affected areas are isolated in a quick and flexible manner to avoid impacts on a large number of people, Secretary of the Hanoi Party’s Committee Dinh Tien Dung told media Monday [May 24].

Different levels of isolation have been imposed, depending on the time and conditions of each location, Dung said, noting that protecting people’s health is Hanoi’s first and foremost priority.

The rumors have circulated following a chain of nearly 20 infections detected on May 24 related to the Times City Residential Area and T&T Group in Hanoi’s downtown.

“The city imposes no systematic social distancing or lockdown that have impacts on its socio-economic development. There is no such thing that the city might place the citywide lockdown. Let’s stay calm and believe that the precautionary measures are showing effectiveness. Do not miss the F1, F2, F3,” Dung said in a statement.

Frontline forces like health workers, police, and military personnel are performing quick responses to quarantine and contact tracing with an aim to curb the spread in the community.

The municipal Party chief asked health authorities to stockpile medical equipment like test kits, ventilators, and personal protection equipment (PPE) along with tightening medical checkups in hospitals.

Any infections that are proved to result from irresponsibility or being distracted in the fight against Covid-19, head of such agencies and localities would bear responsibility for their management, Dung emphasized.

As of late May 24, Hanoi reported 304 Covid-19 cases, including two-thirds in two central hospitals and the remaining detected in 19 out of 30 districts.