Hanoi’s Party leader Dinh Tien Dung, who is also a Politburo member, has affirmed that the city has implemented stricter social distancing because of serious developments of the Covid-19 pandemic. After seven days of action, almost all localities and people have complied with it well, however, in some places, at some times, the organization and deployment have not been strictly enforced.

This is the time for the political system from the city to the grassroots and the entire people of the capital city to uphold the exemplary spirit in response to the appeal of Vietnam’s Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, tightening the social distancing discipline and making the most of “golden time” to push back the pandemic.

Social distancing everywhere, at all times

Vietnam's Party Chief Nguyen Phu Trong. Photo: VNA

“This is the second time Vietnam’s Party leader has issued a call to prevent and control the Covid-19 pandemic that shows the importance and urgency,” Dung said.

With the role and exemplary responsibility of Vietnam’s capital city and the spirit “To fight the pandemic is like to fight against foreign invaders”, the Hanoi’s Party Committee on July 30 issued Directive No. 05-CT/TU on “Strengthening the responsibility of the political system in implementing urgent measures to prevent and control the Covid-19 pandemic”.

The directive aims to concretize the appeal of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong as well as views and guidelines the Politburo, the Secretariat, the National Assembly, the Government, the Prime Minister, and the National Steering Committee for Covid-19 prevention and control.

Dung said the directive identifies six key groups of content, including raising the responsibility of the local political system and leaders, improving the effectiveness of the compliance with the social distancing principle of people, agencies, units, and organizations, and making the most of the “golden time” of social distancing to repel the pandemic.

He affirmed that, as noted by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, the current situation of the Covid-19 pandemic is very complicated due to the Delta variant that has a faster spread rate and causes damage to the health and life of the people, seriously affecting the socio-economic and all aspects of life.

That’s why Hanoi has decided stricter social distancing across the capital city from July 24, under the Government’s Directive 16/CT-TTg, dated March 31, 2020, of the Prime Minister, he said.

“The social distancing period is 15 days, which will be considered whether extend or not depending on the results of the pandemic control. This is a strong action matched with the actual situation that has been agreed and supported by the public,” he said.

However, in the past few days, there were still a number of agencies, units, and people who have not strictly implemented the social distancing regulations. There were several people on the streets and at workplaces who have intentionally violated. The social distancing in some areas has not been drastically implemented with the lack of inspections or cursory penalties.

“We have right and target measures but if it was not strictly implemented, our actions would be ineffective. The most important thing is now the strict implementation of social distancing everywhere, and at all times, helping us localize and remove all potential pathogens hidden in the community. Only then will there be a chance to win against Covid-19, and return to a new normal state as soon as possible,” Dung said.

Taking good care of people

Hanoi's Party Leader Dinh Tien Dung on an inspection visit. Photo: The Hanoi Times

Dung requested all levels of Party committees, authorities, the Fatherland Front, socio-political organizations and heads of agencies, units, organizations, localities, and key officials to study and grasp the content of the General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s appeal, as well as to conduct every measure to stop the pandemic and prevent the pandemic spread in the community.

He wanted all sectors to focus on effectively organizing the implementation of the Hanoi Party Standing Committee’s Directive No. 05-CT/TU, bringing into full play the strength of the whole political system and the support of the people, concentrating on the utmost efforts and prioritizing all resources for the Covid-19 prevention and control, and ensuring strict social distancing regulations at all times and everywhere, especially during the period of stricter social distancing that ends on August 7, 2021.

“All agencies, units, and businesses in the city must strictly comply with Directive No. 17/CT-UBND of the City People's Committee,” Dung stressed.

A police checks travel permit. Photo: The Hanoi Times

He noted that every sector must pay attention to take care of the people when stricter social distancing measures are being taken, ensuring that no one goes hungry, no needy person is unaided, and no sick one is left without timely treatment.

“It is needed to actualize support policies under the Government’s Resolution No. 68/NQ-CP dated July 1, 2021, and resolutions of the Hanoi People’s Council to help employees and employers impacted by Covid-19 outbreak overcome difficulties,” Dung said.

The municipal Party leader also asked local authorities to review and issue additional support policies for the frontline workers and people, especially needy ones. The Fatherland Front will continue to raise funds for the fight against Covid-19, meanwhile, localities will support each other materials and experience in preventing and controlling the outbreak.

He emphasized that whether the city can make the most of this “golden time” of social distancing greatly depends on the implementation results of the city’s Directive No. 05-CT/TU in the coming days.

“I call on all people in the capital to join hands in implementing, sharing, and voluntarily observing the principle of social distancing to protect yourselves, your families, and the community, contributing to repelling the fourth outbreak of Covid-19 and moving towards victory over the Covid-19 pandemic,” Dung said.