The detection of new coronavirus cases over the past two days after more than three months without community transmission has prompted Vietnam to step up a crackdown on illegal immigration.

Border guards in the fight against Covid-19. Photo: VTC Now

Danang, which confirmed a new locally-transmitted infection in the city on July 25, has reported the illegal entry of dozens of Chinese nationals in the city and the neighboring province of Quang Nam in the last two weeks.

One day after the first case confirmed, the National Steering Committee on Covid-19 Prevention and Control asked authorized agencies to toughen up immigration to prevent imported transmission.

The Ministry of Defense has been requested to continue control over borders, mostly trails to counter illegal immigration.

The Ministry of Public Security asks local police to keep a close eye on illegal immigrants and foreigners who are working and staying in the localities, including in lodging facilities, workshops, and training centers.

Heads of cities and provinces ask local residents to report any cases relating to illegal immigration to enable local authorities to proceed with quarantine and testing.

In a latest move, the Border Guard Command has set up eight working groups to check the border control mission in the provinces of Lang Son, Lai Chau, Cao Bang, Lao Cai, Ha Giang, Quang Ninh that border China, and An Giang and Tay Ninh that border Cambodia.

Lieut. General Hoang Xuan Chien, deputy defense minister, asks the border forces to mobilize guards to 250 major checkpoints.

Over the past six months, Vietnam has set up nearly 1,600 checkpoints along the border with more than 9,400 people in action.

On July 25, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked armed forces to continue tightening control over immigration in border areas and ordered the Ministry of Public Security to investigate the illegal immigration in Danang, Quang Nam and Quang Ninh over the past time.