Hanoitimes has the honor to introduce some notes on the management of Covid-19 in Hanoi by Sushil Prasad, First Secretary of the Embassy of India in Hanoi.

Sushil Prasad, First Secretary of the Embassy of India in Hanoi. Photo: Embassy of India in Hanoi

Living in Hanoi as a foreigner, during the global outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, unfolded how the use of strict administrative measures, efficient technological tools and mass support of the city dwellers can produce wonderful result. Today, when Hanoi is free from the Covid-19, it is important to look at the mammoth tasks performed by the city government and the local population during its fight with the pandemic.

Vietnam in general and Hanoi in particular have dealt with the pandemic very well. Many suitable measures in containing and controlling the spread of the pandemic were implemented from the early stage of this global crisis. Not long after the first case was identified in Hanoi, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam and State President Nguyen Phu Trong called on national unity against the pandemic. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc also instructed relevant ministries and agencies for “fighting the pandemic like fighting the enemy”, and to sacrifice the economy to protect the people. Following the above directions, the administration of Hanoi city timely and efficiently responded to manage the Covid-19 situation in Hanoi.

Being the capital and a large urban area, it was not easy to trace, quarantine and eliminate the hotspots in Hanoi. Yet the city managed to control the situation. It was possible because of the efforts of the government at all levels, especially the grassroots ones and close cooperation of the people. Hanoi also effectively and transparently disseminated information using all possible means of communications supported by technology, i.e., building tracing and medical declaration apps. Besides the efforts to contain the pandemic, Hanoi also issued instructions and regulations related to social welfare and ensured to maintain the living conditions of the people. On May 14, the day when the last covid-19 spot in the city was declared free from the coronavirus, Hanoi successfully won the battle.

Thanks to these commendable achievements in controlling the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, the national football league resumed with the cheering crowds. This also helped the Embassy of India and various Vietnamese provinces to observe the 6th International Day of Yoga in June.