Health workers in protective suits on Friday morning collect nasal-throat samples from police officers at the National Convention Centre in Hà Nội, where the 13th National Party Congress is taking place. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — COVID-19 prevention and control measures at the 13th National Party Congress in Hà Nội have been raised to the highest level after clusters of community coronavirus cases were detected in various northern provinces after nearly two months in which the country has not recorded local infections.

Early on Friday morning, workers of the Congress’ health subcommittee started collecting nasal-throat swabs from all reporters and media staff, along with medical personnel and other workers at the National Convention Centre to test for COVID-19.

Reporters covering the Congress said the organising board has informed them of the required tests Thursday night.

From Thursday afternoon, nearly 1,600 delegates participating in the Congress were tested for COVID-19 at their hotels.

Lê Mạnh Hùng, deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education and head of the 13th Congress’ Press Centre, said Politburo member Trần Quốc Vượng has ordered “health safety” during the time the Congress is taking place.

COVID-19 testing is expected to wrap up within the day.

All areas of the National Convention Centre are disinfected everyday, and so are the vehicles that enter the compound, Hùng said.

Prior to the opening of the Congress early this week, all 10,000 samples taken from everyone involved in the event – from the delegates, medical and security personnel, to reporters and hotel staff – came back negative for COVID-19, according to the health ministry. — VNS

National Convention Centre staff in masks wait in line to get tested for COVID-19. — VNA/VNS Photo