COVID-19: No new infections detected, nearly 150,000 in quarantine
VOV.VN - The Ministry of Health confirmed on February 18 morning no new coronavirus infections have been detected during the past 12 hours after 18 locally transmitted cases were announced on February 17 afternoon.
As many as 737 people have been infected since the SARS-CoV-2 virus recurred three weeks ago.
The virus has spread to 13 cities and provinces across the country, with Hai Duong province, a gateway to Hanoi, emerging as the biggest coronavirus hotspot.
Hai Duong alone has so far recorded 557 cases, followed by Quang Ninh (60), Ho Chi Minh City (36), Hanoi capital (34) and Gia Lai (27).
The Ministry of Health reported that the fresh outbreak has basically been brought under control in 12 out of the 13 affected localities, except for Hai Duong.
Major coronavirus hotspots in Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi have been kept in check thanks to drastic measures adopted by local administrations.
However, the ministry warned the risk of infection is still high in the community as the source of infection for many cases remains unknown, people are returned to work following a long lunar New Year break, and many cases have shown no symptoms.
According to the ministry’s 06.00hrs update on February 18, the number of quarantined people who had contact with COVID-19 patients or returned from epidemic hit countries, has increased to nearly 150,000.
Doctors have cured 1,580 COVID-19 patients since the virus attacked Vietnam in January 2020. Of the remaining patients in health facilities, 104 have tested negative for the virus at least once.
