Citizens and authorities nationwide are on high alert after a surge of community COVID-19 cases over the last two days.

Eighty-four community cases of COVID-19 were reported in the northern provinces of Quảng Ninh and Hải Dương on Thursday. Nine other cases were reported in other localities on Friday including Hải Phòng, Bắc Ninh, Quảng Ninh, Hải Dương and Hà Nội. 

Medical workers take a sample for testing SARS – COV2 virus in Uông Bí City, Quảng Ninh Province. — VNA/VNS Photo

Following the outbreak, Hà Nội will test all people who have returned from Quảng Ninh Province and Chí Linh City, Hải Dương Province since January 14. The city expects to complete the testing by Monday.

Hà Nội People’s Committee Chairman Chu Ngọc Anh on Thursday night directed the city’s departments, agencies and People’s Committees at all levels to prepare for any COVID-19 response scenario.

People bring food for isolated people inside T6 block in Times City, Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo Minh Quyết

All residents at an apartment block in Hà Nội’s Times City have been told they must stay at home after one person living in the complex tested positive for COVID-19.

The 54-year-old woman lives in T6 block and had close contact with the mother of the security worker at Vân Đồn International Airport in Quảng Ninh Province who was confirmed positive on Thursday.

Medical workers spray anti-septic substance at Hải Phòng Children's Hospital. — VNA/VNS Photo

Minister of Health Nguyễn Thành Long asked for the establishment of three COVID-19 treatment hospitals in the northern province of Hải Dương.

Chi Linh City, home to more than 200,000 people, has been locked down and flights in and out of Vân Đồn Airport suspended.

Officials check vehicles and people passing a medical check-point in Đình Lập District, the northern province of Lạng Sơn. — VNA/VNS Photo Thái Thuần

At present, there are currently more than 21,000 people isolated at medical facilities, hotels and their homes.

The Government hopes to stamp out the outbreak within 10 days as the Tết (Lunar New Year) holiday is approaching. The most serious measures will be applied to stop the virus spreading. — VNS

Pupils at Trần Nhân Tông High School, Hai Bà Trưng District, Hà Nội wear masks at school on Friday. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng