53 more COVID-19 cases recorded within community

Illustrative image (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam reported 53 new
COVID-19 cases on January 29, the National Steering Committee for
Prevention and Control reported at a meeting the same day.

The latest cases comprised 47 in northern Hai Duong
province, three in Quang Ninh province, two in Hanoi, and one in Bac Ninh
province.

As of midday on January 29, Hai Duong had recorded 130
cases, with 126 linked to the Vietnam Poyun Electronics Co., Ltd and four to the
Chi Linh city medical centre.

Quang Ninh has, to January 29 morning, reported 15
cases, all associated with Patient No 1553. As many as 149 people who had close
contact with the patient have tested negative for the coronavirus.

The Ministry of Health has sent more experts to Hai
Duong and Quang Ninh to instruct pandemic prevention and control efforts, in
particular helping with COVID-19 testing and treatment in Hai Duong. Ministry leaders
have also gone to pandemic-hit areas.

Speaking at an online meeting between the steering
committee and representatives from Hai Duong and Quang Ninh, Deputy Prime
Minister Vu Duc Dam called for strong determination to contain the outbreak
within 10 days.

“All relevant forces have to keep this promise,” stressed
Dam, who is also head of the committee.

He lauded the localities for their response efforts,
saying has completed collecting samples from F3 people and even F4
in certain places, while ’s Chi Linh city has collected samples from groups
at high risk of infection.

The situation is developing in line with the anticipated
scenario, he said. However, it is necessary to remain vigilant and continue
with contact tracing, especially in Chi Linh.

For the city, the most important task lies with
quarantining, he said, suggesting turning military bases, schools, and
dormitories in the city and adjacent areas into quarantine facilities.

Dam called for significant efforts in building
COVID-19 treatment field hospitals which, he said, must be used as quarantine
centres as soon as they are ready.  

Quang Ninh needs to continue keeping a close watch on
test results, he said, urging the health ministry to publish a list of areas
vulnerable to the pandemic./.