Deputy Minister of Health Nguyễn Trường Sơn and health officials at Chợ Rẫy Hospital in HCM City where the first two people diagnosed with the coronavirus were treated last week. — Photo nld.com.vn

HCM CITY — HCM City authorities have stepped up efforts to combat the coronavirus outbreak.

Secretary of the city Party Committee Nguyễn Thiện Nhân on Friday (January 31) ordered the administration to educate the public about the spread of the respiratory disease and preventive measures.

Printed materials on symptoms of coronavirus infection as well as preventive measures and contact details of health facilities should be delivered to households to increase public awareness, he said.

“Heads of departments and offices are responsible for prevention of the disease and responding to any domestic outbreaks.

“The city will allocate adequate funds for mandatory quarantine and treatment of infected patients and patients suspected of contracting the coronavirus.”

It would also provide sufficient funds to supply protective and medical equipment to health workers, he said.

He said all hospitals should immediately comply with a Ministry of Health order and earmark facilities to isolate patients suspected of contracting the virus by February 3.

Nguyễn Thành Phong, chairman of the city People’s Committee, sought the recommendations of the departments of Health and Internal Affairs on the establishment of a committee to oversee epidemic prevention and control efforts.

He ordered the Department of Health to work closely with other relevant agencies to monitor people coming to the city from affected countries.

It will ensure adequate supply of face masks and anti-viral hand foam and hand sanitisers in the market and ensure there are no spikes in their prices.

Phong ordered the Department of Tourism to ensure city travel firms cancel tours to China and other affected countries.

There is already a ban on travel firms accepting customers travelling from China.

The Department of Education and Training has been ordered to provide instructions on preventive measures like wearing face masks in public places to students.

The city will limit festive events, music concerts and sporting events.

The tourism department has been ordered to co-ordinate with the health department to monitor Chinese visitors for signs of coronavirus infection and immediately quarantine those with suspected symptoms.

Flights to the Chinese city of Wuhan, where the epidemic began, were stopped a while ago, and the Civil Aviation Authority of Việt Nam has now suspended all direct flights to China from Saturday (Feb 1) until further notice.

HCM City's Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport is screening passengers along with the HCM City International Health Quarantine Centre. — VNS