PM agrees to designate Hanoi a COVID-19 risk area, down from high-risk

Hanoi (VNA) - Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc agreed
to downgrade Hanoi to a COVID-19 risk area during a meeting of permanent
Government members on April 22.
Its outlying districts of Me Linh and Thuong Tin, however, remain high-risk
areas, and must continue to strictly follow Directive 16.
The PM lauded the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and
Control, localities, especially Hanoi and HCM City, ministries, departments,
and people nationwide for taking drastic prevention and control measures over
the past three months that have secured encouraging results.
He highlighted the need to remain vigilant and live with the pandemic based on
clear awareness.
Thanks to the social distancing order, no new infections have been reported for
the past six consecutive days, which the PM described as a victory for the country
to enter a new phase of long-term pandemic prevention while ensuring
socioeconomic development.
Further social distancing must be exercised, he said, while trade, job
creation, and socioeconomic development must be facilitated.
He reiterated the policy of actively treating infections, putting
recently-arrived foreigners, patients, and those at-risk under quarantine, and
promptly zoning off affected areas for the spraying of disinfectant.
The PM emphasised the “new normal” practices such as compulsory wearing of
face masks in public places and maintaining a safe distance among people in
regular activities, while continuing to advise people to refrain from going out
or gathering in crowds. Those with a fever should stay at home and consult a
doctor to prevent any spreading of the virus in the community.
He also agreed with measures being loosened in a cautious manner, as proposed
by the steering committee.
For areas with high risk in Hanoi and Ha Giang, production
should be facilitated on the condition of ensuring appropriate preventive
measures.
Participants at the meeting also discussed issues regarding
plans for educational studies and examinations in the future.
According to the Committee, Vietnam had 268 cases of infection as at 12am on
April 22 and no new cases reported since April 17. Of the 268, 222 have fully
recovered and 46 remain under treatment at nine health facilities. Twenty-one
have tested negative at least once.
Regarding the “hotspot” in Ha Loi village in Hanoi’s Me Linh district, 13
people have been infected but no new cases have been reported since April 15. The
entire village is under quarantine.
Regarding those related to patient 268 in northern mountainous Ha Giang
province, 302 out of 358 samples tested negative and the remainder are awaiting
results./.