Source: Socialist Republic of Vietnam
The new patients comprise one in Hanoi’s Kim Chung facility of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, 13 in Bac Ninh, seven in Vinh Phuc, five in Bac Giang, one in Lang Son and one in Hai Duong.
So far, the country counted 1,433 imported cases and 2,056 domestic infections – 486 of which have been found since the fourth coronavirus wave hit the country on April 27. A total of 211,016 samples have also been collected for COVID-19 testing since then, the ministry said.
As many as 67,877 people who had come into close contact with COVID-19 patients or entered Vietnam from pandemic-hit areas are under quarantine or self-quarantine nationwide at present.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 18:35 GMT+7
Chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee (second right) gestures while talking about COVID-19 prevention measures in the capital. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre News
Hanoi authorities have issued an urgent directive to strengthen the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic, including capping public gatherings at 10 people.
Chu Ngoc Anh, vice-chairman of the municipal People’s Committee, signed the directive on Tuesday morning amidst the complicated and unpredictable developments of the pandemic over the last days.
Accordingly, gatherings of more than 10 people in public places outside of offices, schools, hospitals, and election points are banned, at a time when Vietnam is set to begin legislative elections at all levels on May 23.
Tuesday, 11:49, 11/05/2021
VOV.VN - Seven positive novel coronavirus (COVID-19) patients have been found to be carrying the B.1.617.2 strain of the virus which originates from India.
These results were released following samples being taken from COVID-19 patients by the National Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the northern provinces of Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Lang Son, and Nam Dinh. This is part of genetic sequencing being carried out as a means of identifying the specific variant of the virus.
These cases are closely associated with an outbreak at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, therefore the total number of patients infected with the Indian variant currently stands at 25.
Vital action underway amid COVID-19 return 12:20 | 11/05/2021
Hospitals have increased testing capacity following new infections. Photo: Le Toan
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh at a government meeting on May 5 said that the country needs to have a new approach in prevention and fight against the pandemic as events develop in Vietnam and regional nations. âThe spirit should be switched from a state of prevention to active fighting, while ensuring harmony between prevention and fight to ensure the highest possible efficacy,â he explained.
The PM also requested accelerated application of advanced technology, stronger anti-pandemic measures, and more vaccine imports and wide-scale vaccinations, with priority given to frontline and high-risk subjects.
Tuesday, May 11, 2021, 18:00 GMT+7
People drink beer at a restaurant in Hanoi. Photo: Nguyen Khanh / Tuoi Tre
Vice-chairman of the Hanoi People’s Committee Chu Xuan Dung on Tuesday afternoon ordered the shutdown of all beer restaurants and drinking venues to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The closure began immediately and will last until further notice.
Vice-chairman Dung also requested authorities in local districts and wards to suspend all makeshift markets as these locations pose a high risk of virus spread.
Earlier the same day, Hanoi chairman Chu Ngoc Anh asserted that unnecessary meetings and crowded events would have to be canceled.