Vietnam reports another 9 cases of COVID-19 in the community, total 1651

Vietnam on Friday morning (Jan 29) confirmed another 9 cases of COVID-19 infection in the community, bringing its total to 1651, the Ministry of Health reported.

Among the new cases, Ha Noi capital city records 01 case and 01 case in Hai Phong city, 01 case in Bac Ninh city, 02 cases in Quang Ninh province and 04 cases in Covid-19 hotspot Hai Duong.

Related: Vietnam confirms new Covid-19 community cases in Hanoi, Bac Ninh, all linked to Hai Duong

Hanoi authorities have requested those who passed through certain locations with confirmed coronavirus cases: the Van Don Airport and the Muong Thanh Hotel in Quang Ninh, and Chi Linh Town of Hai Duong, to inform themselves to authorities, self-isolate for 14 days and have their samples collected for Covid-19 testing, said Vuong Dinh Hue, the city’s Party Secretary.

Bac Ninh authorities have tracked down 91 people associated with the new case in the province. They are now either quarantined in centralized camps or at home.

The authorities of Bac Ninh have locked down Lam Thao Commune with 6,900 residents. The whole Luong Tai District is being considered for lockdown as well if the situation complicates further, said Nguyen Dinh Tam, deputy director of the Bac Ninh Department of Health, VNExpress reported.

Yesterday, Ministry of Health has released the details of locations visited by positive patients over the past 11 days. Contact the nearest medical authority for advice and support if you have been to these places.

Also read: Contact nearest medical authority right now if you have been to these places

Following the new cases, Thursday saw 100 community cases recorded nationwide, a record high tally which broke Vietnam’s streak of nearly two months without a community transmission. The new outbreaks have now been recorded in Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh and Hanoi, according to VNExpress.

At an urgent meeting held on Thursday night, Hanoi authorities said they were ramping up tracking and testing capabilities, adding that the city can conduct 10,000 tests a day. State television quoted the coronavirus task force chief as saying preparations should be made for a scenario of up to 30,000 COVID-19 cases.

The health ministry has proposed halting international flights and banning large gatherings ahead of the Lunar New year holiday season, just two weeks away. The government late on Thursday said it will build three field hospitals in Hai Duong province, without giving their sizes.

State media on Friday reported a deputy police chief of Hanoi said the city has no shortage of policemen to help handle the outbreak, despite the ongoing party congress.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc urged calm and promised swift action at an urgently called meeting on the sidelines of the congress on Thursday.