Indian variant detected in seven cases linked to outbreak in Hanoi

These results were released following samples being taken from COVID-19 patients by the National Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in the northern provinces of Vinh Phuc, Bac Ninh, Lang Son, and Nam Dinh. This is part of genetic sequencing being carried out as a means of identifying the specific variant of the virus.

These cases are closely associated with an outbreak at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, therefore the total number of patients infected with the Indian variant currently stands at 25.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Health also announced the detection of the B.117 strain originating from the UK in relation to cases entering from Laos, with these individuals now in quarantine in the northern province of Hai Duong.

According to details released by the Ministry of Health, the situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic is now evolving in a complex manner, with many localities nationwide recording new clusters of community infection. Worryingly, the emergence of new strains of the virus is causing faster spread and has the ability to worsen the country’s current circumstances.

As part of efforts to mitigate the situation, Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long has directed leading institutes to take samples from COVID-19 patients for genetic sequencing. This is being done with the aim of assessing relevant risks, whilst also taking appropriate pandemic response measures in order to thoroughly devise effective treatment methods.