Hanoi capital launched an operation, starting November 5, to crack down on those who violate regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control amid apathy among the residents.

Hanoi has tightened COVID-19 preventive measures as many local
residents show apathy towards virus infection.

The city has established five inspection teams to fan out to 30 districts and towns to inspect the observation of regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control in the new normal.

Wearing face masks in public places such as wet markets, supermarkets, bus stations, walking streets and others is compulsory, said Ngo Van Quy, vice mayor of Hanoi at a meeting on November 4.

He pointed out that many people are showing apathy towards COVID-19, posing a high risk of virus infection and spreading in the community.

“All our significant gains we have made so far will become meaningless if only a single case is detected in the community,” he stressed.

As many people do not wear face masks in the Old Quarter and pedestrian zone on weekends, Qui recommended selling masks there to serve visitors.

Hanoi tightened preventive measures after an Israeli expert was diagnosed with the virus in the capital city on November 4. The expert returned to Hanoi from Oman and was quarantined at Muong Thanh hotel in the city centre.

However, two hotel staff had contact with the Israeli patient without taking any preventive measures. They were later quarantined and tested for COVID-19.

The capital city has not detected any community cases since August 17, according to the Hanoi Department of Health.