HCMC urged to ramp up testing to evaluate COVID-19 transmission risks in communities

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam presides over an online meeting on COVID-19 response with leaders of Ho Chi Minh City and Hai Duong on February 10, 2021. Photo: VGP

Dam, who is Head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control stressed the point at the online working session between the National Committee and leaders of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) and Hai Duong Province on Wednesday afternoon.

The city reported 33 locally-transmitted cases from January 5-8, mainly linked to the Tan Son Nhat International Airport, according to Dr. Nguyen Tan Binh, Head of the Municipal Department of Health.

The municipal authorities have tracked 1,900 F1 individuals (who came in close contact with COVID-19 patients) and 1,150 F2 individuals (who came in contact with F1 individuals) and others in a bid to evaluate risks and sources of transmissions, said Binh.

The city will continue stepping up contract tracing, enhancing diagnosis and treatment, and deploying drastic measures to prevent transmissions, especially in high-risk areas like airport and hospitals, he added.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son said HCMC has been quick in collecting test samples but diagnosis process remains slow.

The National Steering Committee urged the city to further ramp up testing in high-risk areas such as coffee shops near factories and industrial parks to evaluate pandemic situation in the communities.

Deputy PM Dam ordered the city to direct all health facilities, schools, factories and public transport means to fully follow COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

He called on business establishments in the city to equip with camera to help facilitate contract tracing.

Hai Duong controls outbreaks well

Hai Duong Province has managed well its COVID-19 outbreaks, with situation in Chi Linh City totally controlled.

Other outbreaks in Cam Giang District and Kinh Mon Town have been basically put under controlled.

Though locality is on the right track, Deputy PM Dam called on residents there to wear masks and those who complete concentrated quarantine duration need to be placed under close medical surveillance.

As of 6:05 pm on Wednesday, Viet Nam recorded 2,091 COVID-19 patients, including 1,480 recoveries and 35 fatalities./.

By Quang Minh