Authorities in the northern province of Lang Son are tightening health checks at border-gates with mainland China ahead of the upcoming Tet Holidays (Lunar New Year).

There has been a sharp increase in the number of people crossing the border recently and that combined with the unexpected cold weather has urged officials to strengthen health checks at the border gates to avoid the threat of an epidemic spreading across the country.

The provincial People's Committee said the measures would help control and prevent the spread of contagious diseases from other countries.

Thermometers have been installed at Huu Nghi and Tan Thanh border gates, Dong Dang Railway Station and other locations have also been supplied with external thermometers to check body temperatures.

People with temperatures of over 38 degrees Celsius would be taken to hospital in specialised cars for further examinations and if necessary, treatment in a quarantined environment./.