A special quarantine area for Covid-19 patients in Vietnam. (Photo: Dinh Hang/VNA)

Mr. Chung said the move is part of quick preventive measures against the outbreak.

“Local authorities, police, and apartment buildings are urged to keep close watch on areas inhabited by a large number of foreigners. Hotels are asked to keep track of their customers’ itineraries,” he said.

Mr. Chung demanded that all classrooms be equipped with body temperature scanners and books to keep track of students’ temperatures as students nationwide prepare to go back to school in early March.

He stressed the need to prepare soaps and sanitizer for the students and disinfect classrooms.

Mr. Chung also recommended that people restrict their activities in places of entertainment in Hanoi like karaoke clubs and bars to minimize virus transmission.