Authorities in many districts across the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang began conducting COVID-19 tests on representatives of local families on Tuesday.

Health workers are tasked with collecting samples of representatives of each household for COVID-19 testing to detect high-risk cases in an early manner and ensure safety the upcoming election day.

Residents in Vietnam are expected to vote for members of the National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels on May 23.

A man waits for his turn to be sampled for COVID-19 testing in Da Nang City, Vietnam, May 18, 2021. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Da Nang currently has more than 276,000 households, of which over 44,000 have at least one member who was already tested for the novel coronavirus.

About 12,000 families have members who are part of local election units or health workers. These individuals have also been tested.

The remaining 219,000 households have yet to be tested.

Residents wait for their turn to be sampled for COVID-19 testing in Da Nang City, Vietnam, May 18, 2021. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

Local authorities are expected to conduct COVID-19 tests on representatives of more than 65,000 households from May 18 to 21.

According to the observation of Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper reporters in Son Tra District, testing sites were established in three wards on Tuesday.

All people at the locations were socially distanced, while other COVID-19 prevention and control measures were also taken.

Health workers prepare for sample collection for COVID-19 tests in Da Nang City, Vietnam, May 18, 2021. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

“When I heard that the test would be conducted free of charge, I signed up right away,” said Le Thu Hong, who lives in An Hai Bac Ward, Son Tra District.

“I want to make sure that my family and I are safe.”

Vietnam has recorded 4,543 COVID-19 cases as of Wednesday morning, with 2,687 recoveries and 37 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country has documented 1,503 local infections in 28 provinces and cities since April 27, including 144 cases in Da Nang.

A man has his samples collected for COVID-19 testing in Da Nang City, Vietnam, May 18, 2021. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

A woman has her samples collected for COVID-19 testing in Da Nang City, Vietnam, May 18, 2021. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre