Hanoi starts to carry out rapid coronavirus tests during two weeks from April 1 for people entering the city as part of efforts to slow down the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung of the Hanoi People's Committee. Photo: Thanh Nien

Under the request by Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung of the Hanoi People's Committee, the local police in partnership with the municipal Department of Transport and the Department of Health will set up rapid testing stations at main entrance gates.

Quick response teams and commune authorities receive information of suspected cases through disease symptoms to take samples.

Rapid tests will be performed on people who received checkup or treatment at Bach Mai Hospital and those are lined to the hospital. Anyone who came to the city from March 10 to March 28 need to take home quarantine.

Suspending operations of construction, road passenger transport

Hanoi starts coronavirus tests at mobile checkpoints. Photo: VnExpress

The municipal Department of Transport is asked to stop road passenger transport, including urban bus, taxi, intercity bus, ride-hailing and motorbike services.

Meanwhile, the Department of Construction needs to suspend all construction projects.

Hanoi’s move closely follows the two-week nationwide isolation period from April 1 ordered by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.

Ensuring sufficient food, medical equipment

The municipal Department of Industry and Trade and related agencies assume responsibilities for production of food and essential goods, especially medical supplies such as face masks.

Local people are advised to stay calm and not to stockpile food as the city ensures sufficient supply of basic necessities for the entire city, according to a directive signed by mayor Chung late on March 31.

The city’s Department of Labor, Invalids, and Social Affairs is asked to ensure social welfare to vulnerable people, especially those having no unemployment insurance.

Special note from the city’s mayor

Under the mayor's request, people in the city need to strictly follow isolation rules that require people to stay at home and going out only in emergency cases and for food and drug purchases.

People need to practice social distancing and with a rule based on house by house unit, commune by commune, and district by district.

Sanitation work must be enhanced at public places and inside each house.