Hanoi must remain on high alert against the Covid-19 pandemic and give priority to vaccination against the disease, according to a document issued by Vice Chairman of the municipal People's Committee Chu Xuan Dung after the recent online meeting with districts across the city on Covid-19 prevention and other human diseases. 

Hanoi has basically put the pandemic under control. However, in recent days, the Covid-19 disease and the dengue fever have seen complicated evolution, with an increasing number of cases, the municipal government said.

At the meeting, Vice President Chu Xuan Dung called for localities to work to prevent outbreaks of two diseases from flaring up at the same time.

“All levels, branches, and localities must keep identifying this as an important task. It is necessary to focus on improving administrative responsibilities and discipline, especially the leaders’ responsibility. Besides, priority should be given to vaccination against Covid-19,” Dung said.

Hanoi encourages students to get Covid-19 shots according to the city's plan. Photo: Hung Thap/ The Hanoi Times

The localities are required to compile data and suggest specific solutions to get people vaccinated according to the city's plan. In addition, immunization for children from 6 months to under 5 years old must be well prepared in accordance with the guidance of the Ministry of Health.  

The vice chairman also asked the Department of Education and Training, People's Committees of districts to keep encouraging parents to let their children be vaccinated against Covid-19.

“The Hanoi Department of Health must ensure an adequate supply of vaccines in the fastest and safest way,” Dung stressed.

He added that the district people's committees should set up a group to kill mosquitoes and larvae based on an assessment of the epidemic situation in the area. They are asked to actively implement weekly environmental sanitation to prevent dengue.

Spraying chemicals to kill mosquitoes to prevent dengue fever. Photo: The Hanoi Times

The Health Department should coordinate with district medical centers to closely monitor the epidemic situation for early detection of new cases, targeting places where dangerous outbreaks used to occur.

Disease prevention monitoring teams should be established in the locality to handle people who neglect or fail to comply with epidemic prevention and control regulations.

The city must ensure enough hospital beds, drugs, and supplies to reduce the number of serious patients and fatalities.