Hanoi takes quick COVID-19 prevention measures as infections rise

In an urgent dispatch dated April 14, the municipal administration requested that designated units maintain a close watch on ongoing pandemic developments, develop response scenarios, and enhance communication campaigns, including those on vaccination and medical recommendations.

It asked the local medical sector to prepare all resources to receive and treat patients in case a new outbreak occurs.

According to the Hanoi Centre for Diseases Prevention and Control (CDC), the city detected 497 coronavirus cases between April 7 to April 14, representing a sevenfold rise from the previous week.

The centre on April 17 took 10 samples and sent them to Bach Mai hospital for genome sequencing in order to find out new variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Currently, there are a total of 566 COVID-19 cases being treated in the capital, including two severe cases which require mechanical ventilation.

Experts say the COVID-19 pandemic is evolving in a complex manner globally, with the virus mutating constantly that increases infection risks. In Hanoi, the number of COVID-19 infections has increased considerably over the past days and may keep rising in the coming days, especially when people enjoy a five-day break, starting on April 29.

Elsewhere, Vietnam reported a total of 3,325 new COVID-19 cases from April 10 to 16, the highest figure in a week since the beginning of the year.

Despite the rise, health experts played down public concern about a possible outbreak of COVID-19 and said the situation is under control.

They advised people to abide by medical recommendations, including wearing a facemask and taking disinfection practice in public places, along with getting additional vaccine shots.