Authorities in Hanoi city have sanctioned a great number of people for defying the face mask regulation, local media reported.

According to local health authorities, wearing face masks can help minimize the transmission of the novel coronavirus.

Meanwhile, Dong Da district has not sanctioned mask regulation offenders yet. A representative from Dong Da said the district has only asked people to wear face masks, adding that those defying the regulation would be fined.

Talking to local media, Van Phuong, a resident in Dong Ngac ward, Bac Tu Liem district, said he forgot to bring a face mask with him when going out and was fined. “I've learnt from this punishment and hope that everyone will abide by the regulation seriously," Phuong said.

“We are resolute in handling people who do not comply with the face mask regulation,” said Lieutenant Colonel Quach Van Tinh, deputy head of police in Dong Ngac ward, Bac Tu Liem district. On August 17, eight people were fined.

The police also regularly encourage and ask people to wear face masks when going out.

Preventing the Covid-19 pandemic is the responsibility of no particular agency but it needs the support of each citizen by at least wearing a face mask when going to public places, said a representative of Hanoi police.

Hanoi has confirmed 11 Covid-19 cases, all linked with the epicenter of Danang. No death has been reported in the city.