Audio By Carbonatix
Vietnam was back on high alert for the coronavirus on Saturday after medical officials in the central city of Danang detected the country’s first locally transmitted case for three months.
Vietnam has imposed strict quarantine measures and carried out an aggressive and widespread testing programme during the pandemic, keeping its total tally of reported infections to just 417, with no deaths.
It had reported no locally transmitted infections for 100 days until Friday, when the Health Ministry said a 57-year-old man from Danang, a tourist hot spot, had tested positive.
State media reported late Saturday that the man was in critical condition, and specialised doctors had flown from Ho Chi Minh City to Danang to treat him.
Authorities said 50 people the patient came into contact with have been isolated. The ministry said 103 people connected to the patient were tested for the virus but all returned negative results.
It said more than 11,800 people are being quarantined throughout the country, including 147 at hospitals.
The government did not say how the man contracted the virus but said he had not left Danang for nearly a month. He was initially diagnosed with pneumonia. A fresh test on Saturday had confirmed the coronavirus infection, authorities said.
The case comes at a time when Vietnam was about to resume international commercial flights and as domestic tourism is surging.
Late on Friday, authorities in the capital, Hanoi, reinstated a recommendation to wear masks in public places.
Vietnam’s ban on international commercial flights is still in place, but foreign experts and skilled workers have been able to enter provided they undergo mandatory quarantine.
Of the nearly 150 cases reported over the past three months, all were found in people who had been quarantined on arrival.
Latest Stories
-
Mahama sets GH¢1bn Bawku revitalisation plan in motion
28 minutes -
‘I assure the President of my unwavering loyalty’ – Brogya Genfi after new appointment
31 minutes -
US-tested evidence could strengthen OSP’s case against persons of interest in Asante Berko case – Kpebu
40 minutes -
Luv FM-Kel Charcoal Toothpaste High School Debate; OKESS and SAHUS clinch final semifinals spots
42 minutes -
KNUST to get GETFund support to complete Teaching Hospital – Education Minister assures
42 minutes -
Ghana to build its biggest power plant since independence – Ato Forson
57 minutes -
APL demands forensic probe into GoldBod following $1.7billion gold-trading losses
1 hour -
Government workers without valid NIA details risk salary suspension from September 15
1 hour -
OSP must investigate everyone in AKSA deal’s value chain – Mary Addah
1 hour -
Tribute to the late Kwabena Kesse (Stephen Boateng) from the May 9 Foundation and its president, Mr. Herbert Mensah
1 hour -
Naming persons of interest in AKSA case is a step towards accountability – Mary Addah
2 hours -
Recycle Up! Ghana calls for more government support to expand green entrepreneurship
2 hours -
Police arrest two suspects over alleged lynching at Daboya
2 hours -
Mustapha Abdul-Hamid promises ideological revival as he files for NPP Vice Chairmanship
2 hours -
Rosemary Selasi Dogbe-Asante
2 hours