Health staff and medical equipment are available if the city’s COVID-19 incidences increase to 200-500. — Source https://www.medinet.hochiminhcity.gov.vn

HCM CITY — HCM City will set up 62 booths for COVID-19 prevention and control throughout the city, the chairman of the  People’s Committee, Nguyễn Thành Phong, said at a meeting of the Steering Board for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on April 3.

Phong said that staff at the booths will provide clear information about preventive measures against COVID-19 and social distancing. 

Relevant agencies and local authorities will fine anyone who does not wear a mask in public and who takes part in gatherings of more than two people.

Authorities will also strengthen the use of IT surveillance of suspected COVID-19 cases and COVID-19 patients, Phong said.

The city's Department of Transport is working with the Mai Linh Group to arrange 200 taxis at hospitals to provide free transport services to patients who need emergency aid and to those who have been discharged from hospitals after recovery from surgery.

The city on April 1 temporarily suspended all public transport to prevent COVID-19 transmission.

However, Trần Quang Lâm, head of the Department of Transport, said that taxis are needed to transport pregnant women and children who need to go to hospitals, and patients who have been discharged from hospital after surgery. 

The Department of Health has also suggested that taxis be used at hospitals for these needs.

The Ministry of Health has given approval to three more hospitals in the city to test SARS-CoV-2, raising the total number to five besides the Pasteur Institute.

The three new hospitals include Thống Nhất Hospital, HCM City University Medical Centre and FV Hospital.

The Hospital for Tropical Diseases and Children’s Hospital 1 have already been giving tests.

According to the Department of Health, a branch of the Oncology Hospital in District 9 is ready to admit COVID-19 patients in case the city’s COVID-19 incidences rise to 200-500.

The branch’s medical equipment is also available. The Department of Health has sent machines for emergency aid to the branch.

The health department’s management board for investment and construction of civil and industrial works will soon install a liquid oxygen supply system, connect water treatment systems, and check fire fighting systems at the hospital.  

The Department of Health has co-operated with the Department of Tourism to arrange hotels in District 9 for health staff at the hospital branch to stay after their work shifts.

As of April 4, the city had a total of 53 COVID-19 patients.

Eighteen people have recovered and have been discharged from hospitals.

On April 3, eight people were suspected of having COVID-19 and were tested. — VNS