A medical worker checks samples for COVID-19 at a heath centre in central Việt Nam. Đà Nẵng began social distancing measures from July 26. VNS Photo Công Thành

ĐÀ NẴNG — The central city starts social distancing measures from 1pm on July 26 to prevent the spread of COVID-19 after two men tested positive for the virus over the weekend.

The city said announced the measures in a statement on July 26, saying all mass gatherings of more than 30 people at public sites, entertainment areas, karaoke bars and massage parlours will be banned from the afternoon of July 26.

Trade centres, accommodations and restaurants, as well as relic sites are still open, but strict measures are needed, including hand-washing stations, face masks and temperature checks.

Tours will be cancelled, and the ban will be in place for two weeks.

All people who had close contact with COVID-19 patient No 416 will be isolated in Liên Chiểu and Hòa Vang districts.

Authorities also said medical declarations are required of those in close contact with the two patients or having visited the city’s general hospital in the last two weeks.

Đà Nẵng asked the public security department to check foreigners staying at hotels and resorts in Đà Nẵng.  

The city said people should not go out or travel unless necessary, but urged hand-washing and face masks as well as keeping a distance of two metres.  

In Huế, a student who had close contact with patient No 416 has been isolated. Her test result will be released by the Ministry of Health.

Quảng Ngãi and Quảng Nam provinces have ordered medical declarations from all people returning from Đà Nẵng in the last two weeks. It warned that people who had visited the Đà Nẵng general hospital and the For You wedding centre in Đà Nẵng should come to a health centre for checking and tests for SARS-CoV-2. — VNS