Chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee Nguyễn Đức Chung. — VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

HÀ NỘI — Chairman of the Hà Nội People’s Committee Nguyễn Đức Chung has dismissed speculation on social media that city authorities are poised to announce a total lockdown across the city to combat the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This is false information. The COVID-19 pandemic is under good control in Hà Nội,” Chung told reporters on Friday.

Public concern has increased as the number of COVID-19 infections cases in Hà Nội has risen recently. This was because a number of citizens have returned from coronavirus-hit regions as well as some foreign tourists coming to the city, he said.

At present, people are being informed about the disease in a transparent manner and information is updated daily so they could work together with the local administration in disease prevention and control.

“The city authorities have taken drastic measures to ensure health and lives of local residents and prevent the spread of the pandemic in the area,” Chung said.

On Thursday, city authorities held a meeting with local retailers regarding the current reserves and supplies of goods in the city.

Representatives of enterprises and supermarkets said they were ready to boost stockpiles by 300 per cent in case of need.

Chung also urged Hanoians to stay calm, trust the government and only believe in information which has been verified.

Earlier, the chairman requested the municipal Department of Information and Communications to collaborate with press agencies to intensify the dissemination of information on the disease.

It was necessary to raise people’s awareness and responsibility towards themselves, their families and communities in disease prevention and control. They were asked to strictly follow Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc’s direction, which took effect on Monday, on wearing masks in public and crowded places like supermarkets, airports and bus stations.

Dissemination campaigns should be launched so people can detect symptoms as well as how to prevent COVID-19. People should be informed with the most up-to-date information and trust sources of information to avoid exposure to misinformation which only fuels public panic. — VNS