Hanoi has levied fines worth a total of VND6 billion (US$ 260,770) upon 3,600 people, including foreigners, for defying the face mask rule from April 29 to May 16.

Hanoi police are fining those failing to adhere to Covid-19 prevention measures such as not wearing face masks. Photo: Mai Thuong

According to Vietnam's pandemic prevention regulations that took effect from September 28, 2020, those found not wearing face masks in public are subject to fines of VND1-3 million (US$43-130).

The police also inspected business establishments, beer restaurants, bars, and handled 19 businesses for failing to comply with Covid-19 prevention regulations.

The Hanoi Department of Health has suspended four medical facilities and revoked the licenses of eight others for the same offense.

Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung said numerous community transmissions have been confirmed in the city in this latest coronavirus outbreak since late April.

He stressed the risk of Covid-19 spreading in the capital city remains high and asked all relevant units to keep strictly handling Covid-19 prevention violators.

Dung also reminded districts and towns to pay close attention to the pandemic prevention and control in neighboring provinces, especially Bac Ninh and Bac Giang.

The vice chairman requested districts and towns to quickly prepare 1,000 beds for mandatory isolation.

Nearly 3,000 "Covid-19 Safety Teams" established 

Chairman of the Hanoi Labor Confederation Nguyen Phi Thuong said at a meeting on May 18 that in the face of the increasingly serious Covid-19 pandemic, nearly 3000 "Covid-19 Safety Teams" have been established in 770 enterprises across the city, with a total of 18,701 members.

He added that the Hanoi Labor Confederation also activated 3,340 groups on the Zalo social media platform with the participation of 100,981 officials and trade union members to promptly deal with the Covid-19 pandemic situation, especially as the national elections are drawing near.