16 cities, provinces close schools amid COVID-19 fears

Taking samples for COVID-19 testing at a school in Hanoi where a positive case was recorded. (Photo: VNA)

The localities are Hai Duong, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, Bac Ninh, Thai Binh, Hoa Binh, Hanoi, Son La, Hung Yen, Bac Kan, Tuyen Quang, Vinh Phuc, Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Binh Duong, Gia Lai, and Binh Phuoc.

Some provinces and cities also allowed students to take an earlier break in designated areas and adopted online learning solutions instead.

Ho Chi Minh City has yet to close all educational institutions but allowed nearly 30,000 university students and school pupils to stay at home until further notice. The city has so far recorded an infection since the fresh outbreak was reported less than a week ago.

Elsewhere, Yen Bai and Phu Tho provinces asked teachers and students who had contact with F1 cases to self-isolate at home for medical observation.

Vietnamese students and pupils of all educational establishments were originally scheduled to enjoy a 7-day long Tet holiday, starting on February 8.

However, the emergence of the coronavirus in Vietnam on January 27 forced localities to adjust the schedule.

The virus has so far spread to 9 cities and provinces across the country, with 238 cases recorded, mostly in Hai Duong and Quang Ninh provinces, the country’s two biggest coronavirus hotspots.