Hanoi (VNA) – Hanoi intends to expand existing quick COVID-19 testing sitesand set up new mobile testing stations to meet high demand of people suspectedof carrying the novel coronavirus.

The plan was revealed during a meeting of the city’s steering committee forCOVID-19 prevention and control on April 1.

Over the last few days, the mobile testing stations have become overwhelmedbecause of long queue of people waiting to get quick tests.

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said Hanoi is thelocality with the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 87. Those include 56domestic transmission cases, of which 37 are workers of Truong Sinh Companywhich provides catering and logistics services for Bach Mai Hospital, he said.

The local authorities have traced all people visiting Bach Mai Hospital andthose having contact with these people, the leader noted, adding that socialdistancing is a timely measure to prevent the outbreak from spreading morewidely.

Chung went on to say as returnees from abroad and people related to Bach MaiHospital are those at the highest risk of getting infected with the virus, theymust be closely monitored and provided with testing services as soon aspossible to early detect infections.

The Hanoi Centre for Disease Control was told to transfer quick test kits toall local hospitals on April 1 evening, and the city aims to have clinics atgrassroots level conduct such tests, he said. 

All hospitals in the city have been required to designate separate areas toprovide checkup for people with suspected COVID-19 symptoms.

Director of the municipal Department of Health Nguyen Khac Hien said, as of14:00 on April 1, Hanoi had 87 confirmed cases. 

The city has so far spent over 1.28 trillion VND (54.4 million USD) for theCOVID-19 relief efforts./.