As the Covid-19 pandemic is intensifying and posing higher risk of infection, particularly from a large number of overseas Vietnamese returning home, each locality in Hanoi must set up specific plans to deal with the situation appropriately, according to Ngo Thi Thanh Hang, vice secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee.

Ngo Thi Thanh Hang, vice secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee at the meeting.

The local authorities must remain on alert and raise the people’s awareness of protecting their own health and the community, Hang said in a meeting with Thanh Xuan district's Party Committee on March 19.

Vice Chairwoman of Thanh Xuan district People’s Committee Le Mai Trang said the locality has set up seven plans to deal with different scenarios of the pandemic, while isolating suspected cases in contact with Covid-19 patients or those having arrived from virus-hit areas.

To date, 766 people coming in close contact with Covid-19 patients are subject to quarantine or under close monitoring, said Trang.

A designated area for isolation at a medical center in Thanh Xuan district.

On the same day, Chairwoman of the Hanoi People’s Council Nguyen Thi Bich Ngoc checked efforts to prevent the spread of the pandemic in districts of Ba Vi, Phuc Tho and Son Tay town.

Ngoc requested the authorities to gather information on the movement of people in each locality, especially those coming from abroad.

Ngoc expected medical staff to be provided with appropriate protective gears, and supply of essential goods is ensured in case of disruption by the pandemic.

Vice Secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee Dao Duc Toan on March 19 had meetings with the authorities at Soc Son and Me Linh districts on measures against Covid-19.

Toan warned there have been cases of the people and businesses underestimating the risk of the pandemic, referring to people going to public places without appropriate protective measures.

Toan requested the authorities to enhance supervision activities and strictly punish those ignoring virus countermeasures.

As the city is moving to another phase of the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic, Toan expected the two districts to mobilize resources to support the overall efforts, while creating favorable conditions for businesses to resume operation.