COVID-19 prevention and control measures at the 13th National Party Congress in Hanoi have been raised to the highest level after clusters of community coronavirus cases were detected in northern provinces after nearly two months in which the country did not record local infections.
Health workers in protective suits collect nasal-throat samples from staff members at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, where the 13th National Party Congress is taking place. (Photo: VNA)- COVID-19 prevention and control measures at the 13th National Party
Congress in Hanoi have been raised to the highest level after clusters of
community coronavirus cases were detected in northern provinces after nearly
two months in which the country did not record local infections.
On January 29 morning, workers of the congress’ health
subcommittee started collecting nasal-throat swabs from all reporters and media
staff, along with medical personnel and other workers at the National
Convention Centre for COVID-19 testing.
Reporters covering the congress said the organising board
has informed them of the required tests in the evening of January 28.
As from January 28 afternoon, nearly 1,600 delegates
participating in the congress were tested for COVID-19 at their hotels.
Le Manh Hung, Vice Chairman of the Party Central Committee’s
Commission for Information and Education and Director of the 13th National Party Congress’ Press Centre, said Politburo member Tran Quoc Vuong
has ordered “health safety” during the time the congress is taking place.
COVID-19 testing is expected to be completed within January
29.
All areas of the National Convention Centre are disinfected
everyday, and so are the vehicles that enter the compound, Hung said.
Prior to the opening of the Congress early this week, all
10,000 samples taken from everyone involved in the event – from the delegates,
medical and security personnel, to reporters and hotel staff – came back
negative for COVID-19, according to the health ministry./.