Tet is approaching but the pandemic remains complex and challenging with a continued rise in daily COVID infection. Rising cases pose a great pressure on the health agency and authorities at local level. Therefore, the municipal government is urging everyone across the city to adhere to the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health in order to protect themselves and their wider community as well as curb the spread of the virus.

Amid the complex developments of COVID-19, the public have been warned to keep abiding by the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health as Tet approaches. IN THE PHOTO: Tourists are seen sticking rigidly to the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health while shopping at the Con Traditional Market. Photo: QUYNH TRANG

Importance of public compliance with COVID-19 rules

Face masks, hand disinfection, health declaration, and social distancing are compulsory for entry into wet markets, supermarkets, trade centers, bookstores and specialized large retail stores. Security guards are available at these venues to remind shoppers to abide by COVID-19 safety measures.

However, many people were seen ignoring the city’s rules in public entertainment areas, and food service establishments, and they were seen not wearing face coverings in these places.

Ignorance of COVID-19 preventive measures, especially the 5K regulations of the Ministry of Health, among local residents has caused a spike in cases.

There has been a significant increase in shopping demand for Tet goods from Da Nang residents as the biggest national public holiday is nearing. However, many people ignore COVID-19 risks with those they meet during their year-end parties.

COVID-19 vaccines are effective at preventing infection, serious illness, and death. Most people who get COVID-19 are unvaccinated. However, since vaccines are not 100% effective at preventing infection, some people who are fully vaccinated will still get COVID-19. Some patients who recover from COVID-19 experience long-term health complications.

Health experts warned that people who are immunocompromised may not always build adequate levels of protection after an initial 2-dose primary mRNA COVID-19 vaccine series. They should continue to take all precautions recommended for unvaccinated people.

Therefore, strict observance of the city’s coronavirus guidelines is recommended for Da Nang residents amid a rise in cases.

Mr Nguyen Tan Chinh, a resident from Thanh Khe District highlighted the importance of voluntary compliance to COVID-19 precautionary measures, especially the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health, among the public in supporting the municipal government’s efforts to successfully suppress the virus.  

Local residents are seen abiding by the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health while visiting the expanded APEC Sculpture Garden. Photo: XUAN DUNG

Fostering voluntary compliance to COVID-19 safety measures  

According to the health agency, Da Nang’s daily community cases have passed 400 in recent days, resulting in a big increase in COVID-19 contact numbers. Some areas in Da Nang have been moved from local COVID-19 alert 'medium' to 'high' and ‘very high’. In paricular, Nai Hien Dong, Man Thai and Tho Quang wards in Son Tra District have moved into level 4 of the city’s four-tier coronavirus alert system to tackle a rise in infections.

Mr Huynh Van Hung, the Vice Chairman of the Son Tra District People's Committee said that the focus have been on enhancing compliance monitoring and enforcement of the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health in COVID-19 hotspots. In addition, community COVID-19 taskforce have been tasked to increase monitoring of residents in their locales in a bid to make sure that they are complying with the city’s COVID-19 guidelines or face strict penalties for non- adherence.

The heed is also being paid on enhancing surveillance of primary close contacts that are self-isolating at home, as well as enforcing COVID-19 rules in retail stores along with drinking and eating establishments. Son Tra District is determined to contain the spread of the virus as soon as possible in order to help locals enjoy a happy Tet.

Hai Chau District is now home to numerous restaurants, entertainment venues, and the newly-inaugurated APEC Sculpture Garden. Strictest health measures are being put in place at these venues in line with the current direction from the municipal administration in an attempt to prevent the spread of the virus, Mr Truong Thanh Dung, the Vice Chairman of the Hai Chau District People's Committee remarked.

He added that attention is being given to fostering voluntary compliance to the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health among the public as well as accelerating the COVID-19 booster programme and giving life-saving jabs to children and young people who are aged 5 to 11 years of age.

Mrs Tran Thanh Thuy, the Acting Director of of the municipal Department of Health is urging the public to stay vigilant against the spread of the virus by practicing public health guidance, including avoiding large gatherings and adhering to the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health before and during Tet Festival. Significant increase in demand for travel and gatherings for Tet from local residents poses the potential spread of COVID-19. Hence, She highlighted the importance of strict observance of COVID-19 rules among the public in helping the city effectively manage the COVID-19 pandemic and bring life back to normal.

Reporting by XUAN DUNG – translating by H.L