The northern province of Lai Chau has strengthened measures in a bid to prevent the potential spread of the COVID-19 pandemic with over 7,100 cases being put into quarantine and undergoing strict monitoring in the locality, according to the provincial Center for Disease Control.

The provincial Center for Disease Control stated that the number of suspected patients has reached 55, of which 51 cases have so far tested negative for coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (COVID-19).

In addition, a total of 41 patients are eligible to be removed from the list of suspected cases, while a further 10 patients that recorded negative test results have been isolated to undergo medical supervision over a 14-day period in line with regulations set by the health sector.

There are also four cases which are still awaiting the results of their tests.

At present, 7,106 people who had come into close contact with any of the suspected COVID-19 cases following their return from epidemic-hit areas have been put into quarantine to undergo medical supervision in the locality, of which 6,800 patients have already been removed from the list of people who must be strictly monitored.

Despite the high numbers being removed from the monitoring process, there are still over 300 cases that remain in isolation, so authorities can closely monitor their health condition at specified isolation zones in line with regulations.

Tran Do Kien, Director of the Lai Chau Provincial Center for Disease Control, pointed out the locality is facing a shortage of medical supplies and equipment which could lead to difficulties in terms of preventive activities that are necessary to combat the pandemic.

Along with tightening control over people who are returning from China, the province has also been proactive in deploying measures aimed at preventing the potential spread of the COVID-19 pandemic in transportation activities.

The Lai Chau Department of Transport has requested that the Provincial Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control continue to provide support through medical equipment, offering free face masks to drivers and passengers, regularly spraying disinfectant at bus stations, and thoroughly sterilising vehicles that enter the region.