Medical check at COVID-19 epicenter (Photo: VNA)

On Wednesday, 39 cities and provinces nationwide closed schools and moved to online learning.  Last year, due to COVID-19, more than 22 million schoolchildren and students studied online or via television for three months.

The Da Nang municipal People’s Committee set up several medical check points at entrances. Most of the people entering the city after Tet are workers and students from the north. People have been ordered to wear masks in public and reduce their use of public transportation.

Dang Thi Hong of Long Bien district in Hanoi said, 'Wherever I go, I wear a mask and use hand sanitizer. On the coach, passengers are asked to use hand sanitizer and keep a distance. The coach does not stop along its route. I feel safe travelling by bus.'

As of midnight on Monday, Hai Duong province has imposed social distancing measures for 15 days. The Hai Duong Department of Industry and Trade has made plans to ensure an adequate local supply of food and basic necessities.

Nguyen Van Quang, Head of the Department's Trade Management, said, 'The Department of Industry and Trade has worked closely with the Departments of Agriculture and Transport to ensure supplies. We have coordinated with local administrations and COVID-19 prevention task forces to meet the needs of people in quarantine areas. We will facilitate the delivery of goods to small convenience stores to keep up with public demand.'

In the last few days, people returning to Hanoi after Tet have been asked to make a medical declaration. Nguyen Nhu Bien, who just returned to Hanoi from Kim Thanh district in Hai Duong province, is making a medical declaration at the Medical Center of Hang Bai ward.

Bien said, 'I returned to Hanoi on Tuesday. I have reported my itenary during the past few days to the local health care center. If everyone takes their responsibility seriously, it will be easier to contain the disease and we can travel safely.'

As of midnight Monday, Hanoi has closed all street restaurants, street food stalls, cafes, bars, and relic sites.