An area under lockdown in HCMC. The municipal government has ordered the stricter management of these areas - PHOTO: TNO

HCMC – As HCMC’s Covid-19 count has been surging, and many new cases have been detected in areas under lockdown, the municipal government has required tightening the management of these areas.

According to the municipal government, the high number of new cases in areas under lockdown proves that the control of these areas remains loose and ineffective, the local media reported.

Therefore, the municipal government asked districts to appropriately zone off pandemic-hit areas based on the number of Covid-19 cases and their contact and neighborhoods and the instruction of the local medical centers.

Possible Covid-19 cases and those in close contact with them must undergo quick tests and RT-PCR tests. They must be later moved to centralized quarantine centers. Only those whose houses meet the requirements are allowed to stay at home.

In addition, the lockdown on these areas should be lifted gradually.

In areas which are eligible to the lockdown removal but have households with Covid-19 cases and direct contacts of Covid-19 cases staying at home, the lockdown on the areas will be lifted, while the households will be still under monitoring.

The city also asked Thu Duc City and districts to establish teams to manage areas under lockdown with the participation of the police, military, healthcare and youth forces.

They can help households buy food and essential products and receive and distribute gifts from individuals and organizations.

The teams should regularly patrol the areas to promptly prevent, detect and punish violators.

According to the municipal government, those violating anti-pandemic regulations must be subject to heavy penalties. If gatherings are found in the areas, head of the areas and relevant individuals will also face strict sanctions.