COVID-19: No fresh infections reported, national count stays at 2,311

One day earlier on February 16, a total of 42 new COVID-19 patients were diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus, including 40 locally-transmitted cases in the biggest coronavirus hotspot of Hai Duong and two in Hanoi and Quang Ninh province.

Hai Duong, the epicenter of a new coronavirus outbreak, enforced a 15-day social distancing starting February 16 in an attempt to slow the spread of the virus to the community.

Among patients currently undergoing treatment in the nation, 37 have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 once, with the remainder giving negative results either two or three times.

Vietnam has so far recorded 2,311 positive COVID-19 cases in total, with 1,412 community cases,  including 719 cases detected since the third wave that hit the nation on January 27. The total number of recoveries stand at 1,573, while the death toll remained at 35.

Around 128,000 cases are in quarantine nationwide, either in hospitals, quarantine zones or at home.

Elsewhere, Ho Chi Minh City has started to conduct Covid-19 testing on arrivals at Tan Son Nhat International Airport from current coronavirus hotspots, like Hanoi, Quang Ninh and Hai Phong.

The move came as part of the city’s efforts to early detect local transmissions and prevent further coronavirus outbreaks after a host of Tan Son Nhat airport staff were confirmed positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

It is worth noting that the southern metropolis has recorded no fresh cases in the community over the past few days.

From January 28 to February 17 morning, the Ministry of Health registered 719 community infections, in 13 localities, with Hai Duong topping the list at 539, followed by Quang Ninh (60), HCM City (36), and  Hanoi (35).