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Vietnam's Virus Checkpoints Screen for Fevers, Limit Urban Movement

VOA News

   Vietnam's cities have set up checkpoints in their fight against
   COVID-19, in some cases conducting virus tests on all who enter as they
   ramp up measures to prevent a second or third wave of the virus from
   hitting the nation.
   The northern city of HaiPhongwas the latest to rampup
   restrictions,beginningSaturday,when the People's Committee issued a
   regulation suspending new permits that allow drivers to transport goods
   in and out of the city.
   The committee joinedlargercities Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Danang in
   setting up checkpoints to more closely monitor the flow of people and
   goods through its borders.
   Bigger cities went a step further. Photos from government media
   showmunicipal officials in blue plastic body suits screening all
   drivers with contactless thermometers to check for fever at the
   borders.
   "We have won each battle, but the whole battle is still
   ahead,"DeputyPrime MinisterVu Duc Damsaid.
   Authorities are ramping up measures out of concern that people will
   become complacentsinceVietnam was able to limit the first wave of
   COVID-19 to fewer than 100 reported cases in February.
   One signof thisis the presence of motorbikedrivers racing in Ho Chi
   Minh City,taking advantage of theemptyroads since the Southeast Asian
   nation began lockdown on April 1.
   Although there isanationalrestriction ofpublicgatheringsof more than
   two people at a time, illegalmotorbikeracingalsoishappeningin the
   capital city of Hanoi along with gatherings around lakes and other
   public places, particularlyamongyoung people.

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