Mrs Ngo Thi Kim Yen, the new Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Committee on Friday afternoon met with members of the municipal COVID-19 Monitoring Committee to discuss next steps in the battle against the deadly disease as the city enters the new phase of virus fight.

Mrs Ngo Thi Kim Yen, the new Vice Chairwoman of the Da Nang People's Committee delivered her instructions at Friday’s meeting. Photo: PHAN CHUNG

The city leader called on officials to continue to follow the COVID-19 control measures which are outlined in line with the current direction in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus.

She also stressed the need for authorities at local level and the health agency to take more drastic action to identify all COVID-19 cases and trace all close contacts of each identified case in order to break the chains of transmission.

Mrs Yen praised the authorities in Hai Chau District for their rapid response to COVID-19 outbreak in alley No. 90 on Dong Da Street in Thuan Phuoc Ward.

Vice Chairwoman Yen urged the municipal Centre for Disease Control and Prevention to work closely with Hai Chau District to track down all contacts of new cases and identify accurately high-risk areas related to confirmed cases in a bid to stop the spread of the virus.

 She stated that a number of wet markets and supermarkets are reopening after further restrictions were eased on September 16, thereby asking the municipal Department of Industry and Trade to enhance surveillance of these venues. The purpose is to ensure that all market stallholders, supermarket staff and shoppers are sticking to the recommended health and safe measures, especially market stallholders must wear anti droplet goggles, in order to protect themselves and others from coroninavirus, Mrs Yen emphasized.

The city leader highlighted need to enhance monitoring and management of drivers of vehicles carrying goods into Da Nang during their stay in the city in addition to tighten checks and conduct rapid antigen tests for these visitors at entry points. These visitors must stay in designated accommodation upon arrival in the city, Mrs Yen remarked.

Mrs Yen demanded the Da Nang Police Department to develop action plan to increase checks on the growing number of road users and new arrivals in the city after more restrictions have been dropped.    

The municipal Department of Foreign Affairs was asked to work with the health agency to develop a plan for administering COVID-19 vaccines to all foreigners in the city.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – translating  by H.L