Quang Nam, Da Nang propose uniform medical supervision in pandemic times

After central Da Nang City, neighboring Quang Nam Province and the northern province of Hai Duong eased social distancing restrictions following the containment of their Covid-19 outbreaks, many localities began applying medical supervision measures to arrivals from the trio.

However, the measures are different among localities, making things difficult for the residents of Da Nang, Quang Nam and Hai Duong, said Tran Van Tan, Quang Nam's Vice Chairman, at a government meeting on Friday.

Hanoi, for instance, requires travelers from Da Nang to quarantine themselves at home for 14 days while Ho Chi Minh City mandates medical declarations, Covid-19 tests and 14-day health self-monitoring for those arriving from Da Nang.

Central provinces like Binh Dinh, Quang Binh, and Quang Ngai require those coming from Da Nang to undergo both 14-day centralized quarantining and testing for Covid-19, while Thua Thien-Hue Province requires visitors from Da Nang, Quang Nam and Hai Duong to furnish certificates showing they’ve tested negative for the novel coronavirus 72 hours before entry.

Tan said Quang Nam residents "don’t need to be tested for the coronavirus using RT-PCR (the real-time reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction) when they arrive in other localities to study and work."

"Quang Nam has gone 25 days without a new domestic infection of the virus," Tan explained at the meeting.

"This testing is very expensive, especially for workers and students. Is it suitable to the 'new normal'?" he added.

Tan proposed that residents of former Covid-19 hotspots like Quang Nam only need to strictly apply measures like wearing face masks, disinfecting their hands with sanitizer, keeping a safe distance between people, no crowded gatherings, and submitting medical declarations when visiting other localities.

"Each person should monitor their own health, and if experiencing symptoms like fever, coughing, difficulty breathing or a sore throat, immediately report to the nearest medical facility," he said.

Le Trung Chinh, Vice Chairman of Da Nang, also said each locality was applying a different medical monitoring system, causing difficulties to city residents.

"Some localities mandate 14-day centralized quarantine for those coming from Da Nang, which affects their learning and work," he said.

The government has confirmed that the country's second Covid-19 outbreak wave, which began on July 25 after 99 days without community transmissions, has been brought under control.

Da Nang eased its social distancing measures from September 5 onwards and resumed public transport services two days later. The central city, a tourism hotspot, reopened public beaches and allowed restaurants and other eateries to offer eat-in services starting Friday.

The city has continued the temporary closure of "non-essential" services like karaoke parlors, bars, dance clubs, internet shops and gyms.

Quang Nam, home to the popular ancient town of Hoi An, allowed entertainment outlets, bars, karaoke parlors and dance clubs to reopen last Sunday.

Vietnam has reported 1,060 Covid-19 cases so far, of which 112 are active. It has confirmed 35 Covid-19 deaths.

The country has recorded no new domestic transmissions for ten days.