A check point in Mão Điền Commune of Thuận Thành District, Bắc Ninh Province. VNA/VNS Photo Đinh Văn Nhiều

BẮC NINH – The People’s Committee of Bắc Ninh Province has imposed social distancing in Thuận Thành District to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The new regulations took effect from 2pm on Sunday.

Up to May 9 morning, there were 46 local cases in Bắc Ninh Province as part of the recent outbreak, with 37 of them detected in Mão Điền Commune of Thuận Thành District.

The duration of the social distancing measures will depend on the pandemic situation.

The whole district must follow the principles of isolating families from families, villages from villages and communes from communes.

People were asked to leave their homes only when absolutely necessary such as to buy food, medicine or seek medical aid, go to work at offices, factories, manufacturing facilities, service and essential goods establishments that are not closed or shut down, and in other emergency situations.

Authorities also requested people not gather in groups of more than two people outside of offices, schools, hospitals and public places as well as keep a minimum distance of 2 metres between people.

Chairwoman of the provincial People's Committee Nguyễn Hương Giang ordered a stop to all public and crowded activities, entertainment facilities, non-essential services and passenger public transport from Thuận Thành District (except for special cases), and to minimise individual vehicle circulation and ensure smooth transport of goods and raw materials for production.

The chairwoman also asked the provincial health sector to be proactive, determined and drastic in implementing measures to cope with the situation including mobilisation of human, material and equipment resources for treatment units as well as tightening pandemic prevention and control in all medical facilities in the province and reviewing response plans for the COVID-19 pandemic in the province.

The health sector will work with other agencies to promptly detect cases and trace, identify and quarantine those at risk of infection.

The provincial police were assigned to set up checkpoints in Thuận Thành District to monitor people and vehicles travelling in and out of the district.

The Industry and Commerce Department, Agriculture and Rural Development Department and Market Management Department were asked to ensure an adequate supply of goods and necessities to the people and maintain agricultural production. – VNS