COVID-19: Hanoi capital dominates caseload on May 18 morning

The Ministry of Health (MoH) confirmed an additional 19 coronavirus cases in four localities, including 13 cases in Hanoi capital alone.

All the new patients in Hanoi were F1 cases (those in close contact with confirmed infections), according to the latest data released by the MoH at 06.00am on May 18.

They tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus during their stay in quarantine areas, thus posing no risk to the community, said the MoH.

Hanoi has so far recorded 239 locally transmitted cases, mostly closely tied to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreaks at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases No.2 and the K Cancer Hospital No.2.

Elsewhere, three more new cases were recorded in Ha Nam, two in Dien Bien and one in Son La. Their test results were all confirmed in quarantine or lockdown areas.

Notably, the Son La case works for Hosiden Vietnam Co. Ltd. in Bac Giang, the epicenter of the fresh wave of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Vietnam has recorded more than 1,300 cases in 27 cities and provinces across the country since the virus recurred in late April, with one third reported in Bac Giang province alone.

The MoH and localities have provided additional assistance for Bac Giang to contain the outbreaks at Hosiden Vietnam and other plants at the province's Quang Chau industrial park.