Hà Nội’s streets have returned to their usual hubbub, with nearly all socio-economic activities reopened. — VNA/VNS Photo Phạm Kiên

HÀ NỘI — The capital has been seeing a sharp decline in COVID-19 metrics, with falling daily new infections, severe cases, and deaths, suggesting the capital city has passed its virus peak, according to health officials.

According to the municipal health department, during the April 7-13 report cycle, Hà Nội recorded 16,595 COVID-19 infections and only three deaths.

The daily average in this period was 2,371 cases, down 65.9 per cent compared to the previous week.

The city has recorded 1,529,061 cases so far (accounting for more than 10 per cent of the national caseload), with 1,391 deaths, or 0.09 per cent of the caseload.

96.43 per cent of the adult population have received booster vaccine shots.

Trần Thị Nhị Hà, director of the health department, said that Hà Nội has basically overcome its peak, with hospitals well capable of handling the number of severe COVID cases.

Despite a high vaccination rate, new cases could still jump, but there would likely not be many severe cases, and most could be monitored at home, Hà noted.

Most socio-economic activities have resumed in the capital city (except for discos), demonstrating Hà Nội’s observance of the Government’s strategy of safe, flexible adaptation to and effective control of COVID-19.

Trần Lưu Hoa, deputy director of the Hà Nội’s education department, said since April 13, all 2,835 schools for over 2 million students in the city have reopened for in-person learning – including 500,000 preschoolers.

Vice Chairman of Hà Nội People’s Committee Chử Xuân Dũng urged localities to keep up their guard despite falling case numbers and maintain support teams for COVID home care.

The official also told the health sector to prepare for the vaccination of children aged 5-11 years old in the city, especially to avoid complications. — VNS