Chu Xuan Dung, deputy chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, said Tuesday residents should refrain from gathering in public spaces, and keep maintaining a distance of at least a meter from each other.

He said they should not exercise or play sports as a group in parks, gardens and other public spaces.

Any celebrations and other gatherings must strictly follow all coronavirus prevention measures, including the submitting of medical declarations and wearing masks, he added.

Dung’s announcement was made as part of the capital city’s response to the nationwide Covid-19 outbreak since last week that has so far seen 38 community transmissions recorded in seven localities: Ha Nam, Vinh Phuc, Hanoi, Hung Yen, Da Nang, Yen Bai and HCMC.

Hanoi so far has recorded four community cases and locked down several locations including the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, its frontline hospital in the Covid-19 fight. The capital city has also suspended many non-essential services including theaters, massage parlors, gyms and outdoor food vendors and cafes.

The city currently has over 2,400 people under centralized quarantine.