During his meeting with members of the Da Nang Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control late afternoon on Friday, municipal Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Quang called on authorities at local level and relevant agencies to make greater efforts and take all necessary measures to shield and protect people who are at higher risk of illness from COVID-19 amid a surge in cases.

Municipal Party Committee Secretary Nguyen Van Quang (left) and municipal People’s Committee Le Chairman Trung Chinh co-chaired Friday’s meeting of the municipal Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. Photo: PHAN CHUNG

The Da Nang Party Chief raised concerns over spike in COVID-19 cases with many positive cases confirmed in older people, children, people with health conditions, the unvaccinated people, thereby causing difficulties for tracers to track down primary close contacts of confirmed cases in the context of rising cases.

Mr Quang pointed out that local residents now ignore COVID-19 measures despite rising case numbers. He warned that COVID-19 spreading at an unprecedented rate will pose serious threat to the city.

The Da Nang top leader remarked that more emphasis is needed on public awareness to be imposed to stand against the pandemic. The focus must be on limiting large gatherings and enhancing enforcement of COVID-19 rules, especially the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health, in order to take action against non-adherence, Mr Quang emphasised.

Secretary Quang highlighted the need to accelerate the booster vaccination programme in Da Nang as well as encourage everyone aged 18 and order across the city to get a coronavirus booster vaccine to top up their protection amid rising cases and new Omicron variant. He noted that booster shots will provide an extra layer of protection against COVID-19 and help to strengthen protection against severe disease, or complications from severe illness.

Mr Quang stressed the need for coronavirus vaccination teams to go door-to-door in the city to reach those yet to have their jabs to help them maximize their protection against the deadly disease.

Mr Quang ordered tighter precautionary measures to protect healthcare workers and patients at hospitals in addition to vulnerable populations.

Municipal People's Committee Chairman Le Trung Chinh highlighted the important role of authorities at local level in stepping up to treat COVID-19 patients with mild symptoms in an attempt to reduce the burden on local health systems.

Mr Chinh called on everyone across the city to have a part to play in the fight against COVID-19 in a bid to take action to protect themselves and others.

Chairman Chinh also urged authorities at local level to adopt appropriate measures to control the spread of the virus with a focus on limiting large events and gatherings, as well as make sure that their local residents follow recommended COVID-19 protocols or face strict penalties for non-compliance.

Reporting by PHAN CHUNG – translating by H.L