Localities throughout the capital have been requested to conduct rapid tests at a number of wholesale markets on April 18-19 in order to detect the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

With its typical characteristics, wet markets pose a high risk of virus infection
(Photo: VNA)

Hanoi Mayor Nguyen Duc Chung was speaking at a meeting of the City’s Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on April 17. 

Chung noted that the nature of performing quick tests at various wholesale markets will greatly help to detect any COVID-19 cases and will allow authorities to quickly zone off certain areas to slow the spread of the disease if necessary. 

Indeed, the testing method known as Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain Reaction is to be carried out on suspected cases in order for relevant bodies to receive confirmation on whether suspected cases are positive or negative for the virus. 

The wholesale markets selected for the quick tests include Nga Tu So Market in Thanh Xuan district, Long Bien Market in Long Bien district, Hoang Mai fruit wholesale market, Ha Vy poultry wholesale market in Thuong Tin district, in addition to other seafood markets located around the capital.

With Hanoi remaining the country’s epicentre of the COVID-19 epidemic, mass testing is still considered a vital and effective method to prevent the transmission of the virus.