after nearly two months in which the country has not recorded local infections.

Health workers in protective suits on Friday morning collect nasal-throat samples from police officers at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi, where the 13th National Party Congress is taking place. — VNA/VNS Photo

Early on Friday morning, workers of the Congress’ health subcommittee started collecting nasal-throat swabs from all reporters and media staff, along with medical personnel and other workers at the National Convention Centre to test for COVID-19.

Reporters covering the Congress said the organising board has informed them of the required tests Thursday night.

From Thursday afternoon, nearly 1,600 delegates participating in the Congress were tested for COVID-19 at their hotels.

National Convention Centre staff in masks wait in line to get tested for COVID-19. — VNA/VNS Photo

Le Manh Hung, deputy head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Information and Education and head of the 13th Congress’ Press Centre, said Politburo member Tran Quoc Vuong has ordered “health safety” during the time the Congress is taking place.

COVID-19 testing is expected to wrap up within the day.

All areas of the National Convention Centre are disinfected everyday, and so are the vehicles that enter the compound, Hung said.

Prior to the opening of the Congress early this week, all 10,000 samples taken from everyone involved in the event – from the delegates, medical and security personnel, to reporters and hotel staff – came back negative for COVID-19, according to the health ministry.  VNS 

Over 4,000 delegates to 13th National Party Congress to be tested for COVID-19

More than 4,000 delegates to the 13th National Party Congress will be tested for COVID-19 twice from January 18-23.