Vinh City needs to consider stopping many non-essential activities to prevent the epidemic more effectively.

On the morning of October 26, Comrade Bui Dinh Long - Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee had a working session with the Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control of Vinh City. Also attending were comrades: Phan Duc Dong - Member of the Provincial Party Committee, Secretary of the Vinh City Party Committee; Associate Professor, Dr. Duong Dinh Chinh - Director of the Department of Health.

According to the Department of Health, since the discovery of 2 F0 cases in the community on October 15 at the screening area of ​​Nghe An Provincial General Hospital, Vinh City has recorded 72 cases in 10 wards and communes. Of which, 37 cases were detected in the community.

Working session scene. Photo: Tien Hung

At the meeting, Director of the Department of Health Duong Dinh Chinh pointed out many risks that could cause the epidemic to break out in Vinh City. Accordingly, since the time when the southern provinces and cities relaxed social distancing, the situation of people coming to/returning from the provinces and cities has not been controlled but the level of epidemic prevention has changed. Vinh City is the gateway of the province with many traffic routes by road, train station, and air. The risk of disease infection from outside is very high.

“Vinh City is a densely populated locality. After stopping the implementation of social distancing measures according to Directives 16, 15, and 19, it switched to implementing epidemic levels according to Resolution 128/NQ-CP of the Government. Socio-economic development activities are allowed to resume, especially in crowded areas. F0 cases have appeared in the community, at many locations, and some of them have unknown sources of infection. Infections have appeared in production areas, business areas, medical examination and treatment facilities, creating high-risk outbreaks,” the head of Nghe An Health Department analyzed the reasons why this outbreak is difficult to control.

After analyzing the epidemic situation, the leaders of the Department of Health requested Vinh City to continue to effectively implement population management measures, conduct regular screening tests, ensure social security, and medical work in the blockade area. Consider stopping non-essential activities in the entire city to ensure effective epidemic prevention work. Strengthen control of population movement in the area, especially people returning from epidemic areas through the system of community Covid Teams. Strengthen communication work, raise people's awareness in complying with epidemic prevention regulations.

Leaders of Nghe An Department of Health spoke at the meeting. Photo: Tien Hung

At the same time, develop plans and increase screening tests in high-risk areas such as markets, wholesale markets, shopping malls, train stations, bus stations, etc. Strengthen communication about Covid-19 vaccines and the benefits of early vaccination. Review and make a detailed list of subjects, avoid overlap between vaccinated subjects, and promptly deploy vaccination according to schedule.

Concluding the meeting, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Bui Dinh Long said that the epidemic situation in Vinh City is currently very complicated. Especially the outbreak on Bui Huy Bich Street. Meanwhile, there is still subjectivity and negligence among the people as well as in leadership and direction. "In the past 11 days, 72 cases have been recorded with many outbreaks of unknown origin. Many patients were only discovered when they went for screening, and not a single case has been discovered by the community surveillance team," said Mr. Bui Dinh Long, adding that in the coming time, it is necessary to enhance the role of the community surveillance team.

In addition, Vinh City must also strictly manage sensitive activities and facilities such as restaurants, bars, markets, and supermarkets. Resolutely handle violations. Urgently develop a detailed and specific vaccination plan...

In particular, comrade Bui Dinh Long said that the Provincial People's Committee has also issued a document allowing localities to temporarily suspend sensitive services and activities to prevent the epidemic, depending on the epidemic situation. "If the epidemic remains complicated, Vinh City may temporarily suspend some non-essential activities and large gatherings. In addition, regulations may also be added such as people who have received two doses of vaccine can participate in these activities," said the leader of the Provincial People's Committee.

Tien Hung