Nine foreign sailors anchored at Vung Tau test positive for COVID-19
VOV.VN - Nine crew members onboard Ashico Victoria, a Panamanian vessel anchored off the coast of the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on May 27, according to Nguyen Tan Binh, director of the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health.
Binh stated that the ship had previously departed from Kakinada in India in order to transport goods to a port in Ho Chi Minh City.
The detection of these cases onboard the vessel comes after the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (CDC) took samples of nine out of the 17 sailors, with their results coming back positive for novel coronavirus (COVID-19). They were then immediately transported to a hospital in Can Gio district to receive treatment.
The other eight crew members were subsequently placed into quarantine on the boat.
Following the incident, Binh has recommended that the Maritime Administration of Ho Chi Minh City limit the arrival of foreign ships from COVID-19 hotspots, such as India, as part of efforts to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
The Maritime Administration stated that it had issued regulations which will apply to ships returning from foreign countries. In accordance with this, when vessels dock at their port of destination each of the crew members onboard must sign a commitment to follow pandemic prevention measures.
The Administration also suggested that all sailors who arrive in the nation from foreign COVID-19 hotspots will be tested for COVID-19 onboard before being permitted to dock at Vietnamese ports.
Furthermore, authorities in Ho Chi Minh City also held an urgent meeting following at least 25 people linked to the Revival Ekklesia Mission, including a chef at the five-star Sheraton Saigon Hotel, have tested positive for COVID-19.
Of the group, 19 are members of the mission whilst six others have come into contact with the infected members.
The cluster was detected after three members had tested positive after going for a health check at Gia Dinh Hospital in Binh Thanh district one day earlier after developing respiratory issues.
In the face of the complicated pandemic situation, the HCM City administration has decided to shut down all bars, karaoke venues, and cafes, whilst also banning religious events.
Particularly, religious events involving gatherings of more than 10 people are now prohibited.
