All baggage of airline passengers at Ho Chi Minh City’s Tan Son Nhat International Airport has been disinfected to prevent the spread of SARS-CoV-2 as more cases related to the airport have been detected over the past few days.

Ho Chi Minh City's residents participate in outdoor activities with face masks. Photo: Baotintuc

At present, the airport turns on the highest alert with toughest precautionary measures after the city recorded 34 new cases after the first case who is a baggage handler was found on February 7.

Given rising cases in many parts of the city, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control and Prevention (HCDC) has marked 35 places which are put on lockdown.

Former Secretary of Ho Chi Minh City Nguyen Thien Nhan said it takes about four weeks for the metropolis to put the pandemic under control.

Soon after the first cases were found, the local government demanded the closure of theaters, karaoke lounges, spas and massage facilities.

Locals come to flower street with precautionary measures.

The city’s education sector has required teachers and schoolchildren to make health declaration when returning to schools after Tet holiday [the Lunar New Year].

As Tet holiday starts [from February 10 to February 17], the city limits crowded gatherings while maintaining outdoor activities with surveillance on masking and social distancing. Flower and book streets are open daytime only.

To keep locals welcoming Tet safe, the health sector is required to prepare for all emergency scenarios with well-equipped facilities like field hospitals, quarantine centers, test kits, and human resources, according to Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong.