VN finds new COVID-19 variant similar to UK strain

A health worker collects test samples of a resident in Hai Duong Province

     >>> Health ministry calls for citizen cooperation in stamping out 3rd COVID-19 wave

     >>> First COVID-19 vaccine approved for use in Viet Nam

The NIHE said B.1.1.7 lineage, first seen in the UK, has been confirmed in 60 countries as of January 17.

Days ago, NIHE scientists had detected a South Africa strain on imported cases of COVID-19.

With one more case this morning, Viet Nam’s patient tally rose to 1,851, of whom 272 are local infections confirmed since January 27. The recent surge is mainly attributed to the new variants.

In a bid to stop spread of the virus, the Ministry of Health issued an announcement on Monday, calling on citizens to cooperate with the Government in order to help quickly stamp out the third wave of COVID-19.

The ministry explained that the move was made as up to 20% of people tested positive for COVID-19 (F0) did not cooperate with competent authorities and hundreds of F1 (individuals who have been in close contact with F0) did not report emergency situation themselves.

At least 17 localities decided to shut schools. Local authorities of Hai Duong and Quang Ninh are redoubling efforts to contain the outbreaks there within 10 days.

COVID-19 response was one of the key topics at the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, during which Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc urged competent authorities to administer COVID-19 vaccine to citizens in the first quarter this year./.

By Ngoc Van