COVID-19: 82 new cases detected, caseload surpasses 9,900

Healthcare workers work on COVID-19 test samples in the laboratory

Of the newly detected cases, 81 locally acquired cases were documented in Bac Giang (45), Ho Chi Minh City (18), Bac Ninh (9), Hanoi (5) and Ha Tinh (4).

Most of the cases were recorded in quarantine and lockdown areas, said the Ministry of Health in its 12.00am COVID-19 update.

The source of infection of some locally transmitted cases remains unknown and epidemiological investigations are underway.

The outbreak in Ho Chi Minh City is evolving in a complex manner though it has been kept in check. More new cases are closely linked to the chain of transmission at the Revival Ekklesia Mission Vietnam, a Christian congregation in Go Vap district.

Elsewhere, a person entering Vietnam via the Moc Bai International Bordergate in Tay Ninh also tested positive for the virus.

Vietnam has registered 6,717 local infections, including 20 deaths, in 39 cities and provinces since the resurgence of the SARS-CoV-2 virus in late April.

Bac Giang is the hardest hit locality, logging nearly 3,800 cases, followed by Bac Ninh, HCM City, Hanoi and Da Nang.

Overall, data from the MoH show 9,917 patients, both locally transmitted and imported, have been recorded for more than a half year since the virus attacked Vietnam in January 2020.

The number of COVID-19 related deaths has increased to 55 at present.