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No New Cases Of Community Transmission Reported For Past 11 Days, Vietnam Invents New COVID-19 Testing Technologies

No new community-transmitted cases in Vietnam


For the past 11 days, Vietnam has not reported any new cases of community transmission of COVID-19, Vietnam Government Portal (VGP news) said in a daily update, as the two latest cases identified on 24th April were both imported.

Things brings the total number of infected patients in Vietnam to 270, while the most updated number of discharged patients is at 222. To date, Vietnam has 48 remaining coronavirus cases under treatment.


Update on COVID-19 cases, 28th April


Vietnam has not reported any new coronavirus infections resulting from community transmission for over 11 days in a row, from 16th April to 27th April.


Source: Vietnam’s Ministry of Health

The 2 new cases, who are Vietnamese students returning from Japan, reported on 24th April make up the only rise in the number of COVID-19 infections. This is the latest sign that the country is making great strides towards absolute control of the outbreak.

Out of the 270 total confirmed cases, 82% of them have been discharged and zero fatalities have been reported. As of yesterday, 27th April, 3 more recovered patients were suspected to have relapsed, which brings the total number of discharged patients to 222.


Source: Vietnam’s Ministry of Health

Vietnam’s Ministry of Health is cooperating with the Central Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology and Pasteur Institute of Ho Chi Minh City to conduct a full investigation on the complications of the coronavirus.


Vietnam successfully invents 2 COVID-19 testing technologies


In a briefing that took place on 27th April, Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam discussed using technology in preventing COVID-19.

According to the briefing, Vietnam has successfully invented two technologies commonly used in the diagnosis of COVID-19, including reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and lateral flow assays, commonly referred to as an antibody test.


Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam spoke during the briefing
Image credit: VGP news

These testing methods are currently used worldwide for the detection of SARS-CoV-2. 

The quality of made-in-Vietnam RT-PCR testing kits is approved by the UK and the World Health Organization (WHO). The kits were granted the CE certification and a Certificate of Free Sale from the UK, which allow them to be sold in Europe.

A kit, consisting of 50 separate SARS-CoV-2 tests that can be used on 50 people, ticks all the boxes on accuracy and sensitivity standards set by the WHO.

Meanwhile, an antibody test, the recently invented biological therapeutic product, can provide results for a patient in just 15 minutes.

So far, Vietnam is the fifth country in the world that has full ownership over 2 COVID-19 testing technologies.

The availability of international standard technologies will facilitate the assessment of a patient’s conditions and detection of the virus.


Government advises cautious resumption of activities


Even though the rule on mandatory social distancing has been lifted, the government has strongly advised citizens to return to normality slowly and cautiously.

On 25th April, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc issued Directive 19, specifying which businesses and venues should remain closed and highlighted those exempted from suspension.


While many non-essential businesses like accommodation services, restaurants and coffee shops can reopen, activities and venues which normally draw large gatherings, such as religious establishments or entertainment clubs are required to remain closed.

Citizens are also strongly recommended to follow public safety rules like safe distancing and hygiene measures.


Keep maintaining safety rules


Even though Vietnam has achieved remarkable results in outbreak suppression through early prevention measures and invention of new technologies, let’s not be overly optimistic and bleach safety rules.

We’re still dealing with a deadly virus that can spread like wildfire and one that has no specific cure yet. Until a vaccine against the virus is announced or until Vietnam declares that we’ve fully suppressed the coronavirus outbreak, let’s keep maintaining social distancing, wearing masks in public, and following hygiene measures.

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Cover image credit: The Smart Local Vietnam

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Josee Ng

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