Hanoi tightens supervision to detect COVID-19 cases

Foreign tourists visit Ngoc Son Temple in Hanoi (Source: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) - The Disease Control Centre of Hanoi has instructed healthcare centres in districts to intensify supervision in to detect any cases of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

According to statistics from the municipal Department of Health, there were 74 suspected cases of COVID-19 as of February 18, but all patients had now tested negative.  

In addition, 409 people were under quarantine in the city, with 55 staying at the Hanoi Police Hospital.

Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Health Hoang Duc Hanh hailed the quarantine of suspected cases in districts. He said the city had prepared sufficient equipment and personnel to conduct quick tests for COVID-19.

The official highlighted the high risk of epidemic in the city, which is a major international transport hub with connections with many countries, including China, and those with confirmed COVID-19 cases. The city also borders Vinh Phuc province, which has reported the majority of COVID-19 cases in the country.

The city needed to continue epidemic preventive measures, Hanh said.

So far, Vietnam has confirmed 16 cases of COVID-19 but has not recorded any new patients since February 13. Among them, 15 have been successfully treated./.