Vietnam records 102 new COVID-19 cases over six hours

Taking nasal swabs for COVID-19 testing.

Of the total, 94 were locally transmitted cases detected in Ho Chi Minh City (54), Hung Yen (14), Bac Giang (11), Ha Tinh (8), Bac Ninh (3), Hai Phong (2), Dong Thap (1), and Lang Son (1).

Most of the cases were documented in quarantine and lockdown areas, while some were detected through screening tests at healthcare facilities.

HCM City remains the largest coronavirus hotspot in southern Vietnam, recording more than 3,500 new cases during the latest outbreak, starting in late April. More than two thirds of the cases are asymptomatic or show mild symptoms.

The virus has attacked crowded markets such as Hoc Mon, Son Ky and Binh Dien, forcing local authorities to tighten preventive measures, including offering daily market coupons to local residents.

Elsewhere, the northern province of Hung Yen has emerged as a new coronavirus hotspot in northern Vietnam. With 14 more new cases registered during the past six hours, cumulative tally of infections in the locality has increased to nearly 100.

Besides Yen My district, the virus has spread to other districts such as Phu Cu, Kim Dong, Tien Lu, An Thi and Khoai Chau.

Meanwhile, the MoH announced eight imported cases returning to Vietnam through air and land borders. They were all placed in quarantine upon their arrival, posing no risk to the community.

Vietnam has logged nearly 13,000 new cases, including 43 deaths, in more than 40 cities and provinces across the country since the virus resurged in late April.