In his remarks at a meeting with representatives of the Da Nang Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on Wednesday afternoon, municipal Party Committee Deputy Secretary Luong Nguyen Minh Triet agreed to the proposals by relevant agencies to extend ban on certain essential activities because the risk of COVID-19 resurgence is never far away.

Municipal Party Committee Deputy Secretary Luong Nguyen Minh Triet (left) delivers his address at the Wednesday meeting. Photo: PHAN CHUNG

Mr Triet urged functional bodies to put forth their greatest effort to fulfill their assigned tasks to curb the spread of the virus with a focus on enforcing coronavirus quarantine order on returnees from epidemic-hit areas.

Da Nang has recorded 15 straight days with no local transmissions, according to data released on Wednesday. Till date, over 140,000 household representatives and more than 60,000 workers in industrial parks have given access to rapid coronavirus tests.

The city leader also warned the city remains under high alert given the complex developments of COVID-19 in the country.

“Schools, hospitals, offices and businesses must take a precautionary approach, and are COVID-ready and adapt their operations to the new environment. In addition, returnees from epidemic-hit areas must be placed in appropriate isolation as necessary precautions to stop virus spread.", remarked Deputy Secretary Triet.

Municipal People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh highlighted the significance of enforcing COVID-19 rules on all arrivals in the city at entrance points in stopping them bringing the deadly pathogen into Da Nang.

“Besides, the heed must be paid on tightening measures to control COVID-19 in designated quarantine facilities and conducting COVID-19 tests on close contacts of those who tested positive during quarantine.

"A mandatory 21-day quarantine order must be imposed on arrivals or returnees from affected areas, and they need to have the negative result before leaving quarantine sites.", requested Chairman Chinh.

The Da Nang Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control agreed to exend ban on essential activities until the city records its 21^st straight day without a new locally acquired case of coronavirus. The Da Nang government will then consider easing restrictions on certain essential services.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – Translating by H.L