Residents in the two northern provinces of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh, where 84 new infections were detected, are asked to stay where they are.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has recently issued a directive on the lockdown in the two provinces to contain the spread of the coronavirus.

He asked for the activation of the pandemic prevention and control mechanism and system in a hypothetical situation of there being tens of thousands of infections.

He requested that all localities review their prevention measures, especially on the threshold of the Lunar New Year holiday, with a focus on airports, public transport, medical facilities, schools, offices, and markets.

Chi Linh city in Hai Duong set up checkpoints and lockdown posts to fight against Covid-19 pandemic. Photo: Hai Duong Newspaper

“We need to put areas of infectious people on lockdown and trace their contacts on a large scale while remaining calm to continue implementing strong administrative measures,” said the prime minister.

“We must not create confusion among the people and promptly take specific and drastic actions. It’s important to respond as quickly as possible, particularly in Hai Duong and Quang Ninh provinces, so as not to alter people’s lives," the prime minister reiterated.

Vietnam has reported 84 new Covid-19 cases over the last 24 hours, including 73 in Hai Duong and 11 in Quang Ninh. Of the total, two were confirmed late on January 27 and the remainder on the morning of January 28.

Quang Ninh has decided to suspend transport services and closed schools after community cases were detected.

All land and waterway transport services coming in and out of the province will be suspended, according to an urgent telegram issued by the provincial Department of Transport.

The local administration also asked transport companies to soon complete trips, disinfect buses and boats, and keep a close watch on the health of drivers and conductors.

For those who are currently on board buses or boats are required to make health declarations, don face masks and observe safe distance regulations.

Hai Duong has also decided to close all of its schools from January 29. Schools have been asked to prepare to teach students online in necessary cases.  

Sterilization has been conducted at local schools.

These latest infections have ended a streak of 55 consecutive days with no community transmissions. Vietnam reported only 1,553 cases and 35 Covid-19 deaths by Thursday, which earned the country a place in the top three in a survey of how well countries have handled the pandemic.