Vietnam recorded 115 cases of COVID-19, all local infections, over the past six hours to 6pm on May 26, according to the Health Ministry.

The new cases comprise 64 in Bac Ninh, 39 in Bac Giang, nine in Hanoi, two in Hai Duong, and one in Thai Nguyen.

The country has so far documented 4,597 local cases and 1,489 imported cases.

On May 26, 59 patients were given the all-clear from the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, raising the number of recoveries 2,853. The latest death of a 67-year-old woman confirmed the same day increased the total COVID-19 related deaths to 45.

Among active patients, 111 have tested negative for the virus once, 40 twice and 67 thrice.

In the face of the growing complexity of the COVID-19 resurgence, the Ministry of Health has called on people to refrain from non-essential outings and avoid public gatherings. People must stay vigilant against the virus and promptly report any suspected illegal immigrants to authorities./.

Vietnam reports 40 more Covid-19 patients as of Wednesday noon

Vietnam has confirmed an additional 40 more Covid-19 patients who are mostly in the virus epicentre of Bac Giang, the Ministry of Health reported at noon on Wednesday.

According to the ministry's noon report, all of the newly-confirmed patients are locally-transmitted cases most of whom were detected in quarantine sites or areas under lockdown in some localities including 27 in Bac Giang, seven in Hanoi, four in Bac Ninh, and one each in Dien Bien and Hai Duong.

The 27 cases in Bac Giang were recorded at some industrial parks of Van Trung, Dinh Tram, Song Khe-Noi Hoang, and Quang Chau which have reported a large outbreak over the last few days. Local authorities have temporarily closed the four industrial parks for Covid-19 prevention and control.

As of Wednesday noon, 2,912 locally-transmitted cases have been reported since the new outbreak occurred in the country on April 27, including 1,481 in the virus epicentre of Bac Giang. The outbreak has so far spread to 30 cities and provinces nationwide.

With these new infection cases, the number of Covid-19 patients in Vietnam has increased to 5,971, including 4,482 locally-transmitted cases.

As of 6 pm on May 25, a total of 2,794 Covid-19 patients had recovered and been discharged from hospital.

So far there have been 44 deaths, most of them being the elderly with serious underlying diseases.

At present, over 164,000 people who had close contact with Covid-19 patients or returned from virus-hit areas are being monitored at hospitals, quarantine facilities, and at home.

Also on May 25, an additional 2,602 people were given Covid-19 vaccine in Vietnam, raising the total number of vaccine doses used in the country to 1,034,072. The number of people who have received two doses has risen to 28,503.

PM urges curbing of COVID-19 in Bac Ninh, Bac Giang provinces

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has urged ministries, agencies, and localities to take more drastic action to drive back the COVID-19 pandemic in northern Bac Ninh and Bac Giang provinces while ensuring production and trade are not disrupted.

During an online meeting on May 26 with leaders of the two provinces, where the pandemic is spreading in industrial parks (IPs), the PM directed agencies to work with Bac Ninh and Bac Giang to increase testing capacity, especially in quarantined areas, use technology, as requested by the Ministry of Information and Communications, seriously follow the “5K vaccine” message, and tighten exits and entries.

He asked for the upgrading of infrastructure and treatment capacity and the provision of more medical supplies for the two provinces to cope with the pandemic, particularly vaccines, and the consideration of quarantine for “F1” cases in households, factories, and enterprises.

The PM reminded ministries and agencies to work closely together to build the COVID-19 response fund, step up access to vaccines for the vaccination rollout, tighten the management of entries, exits and residency, outline safe and effective production, trade, and goods transportation procedures, and tackle difficulties in financial procedures to support residents and businesses hit by the pandemic.

Participants suggested imposing lockdowns and social distancing measures in more areas in the two provinces, closely monitoring quarantine, accelerating testing on a large scale, and prioritising vaccinations for workers in local IPs./.

Deputy PM inspects COVID-19 prevention in Bac Giang’s industrial parks

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on May 26 inspected COVID-19 prevention and control at industrial parks (IPs) in the northern province of Bac Giang, and reported on the situation in the locality to Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh through a virtual meeting.

During his field trip, Dam, who is also head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, reminded the local authorities to continuously follow regulations on quarantine, and take creative pandemic prevention measures in IPs and residential areas.

He praised Bac Giang for its efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19, especially in collection of samples for testing and piloting self-quarantine areas and quick response teams.

He ordered the health sector to maximise its support for Bac Giang to effectively respond to the pandemic.

The Deputy PM also underlined the necessity to facilitate trade of goods, as well as ensure effective epidemic prevention. 

According to Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Le Anh Duong, the local authorities will choose eight businesses to pilot an industrial production chain and build a pilot model on pandemic prevention and production stabilisation in businesses.

These are long-term and central task to ensure the dual goals of COVID-19 containment and economic development, he said.

Attention has been paid to solutions to stablise the life of workers and local residents, especially in areas hardest hit by COVID-19, Duong added.

Vietnam logged additional 40 domestically-infected COVID-19 cases on May 26 morning, raising the infection tally to 5,971.

The new patients were recorded in the five northern localities of Bac Giang, Bac Ninh, Hanoi, Dien Bien and Hai Duong./.

Bac Giang prepares to reopen industrial parks

Authorities in Bac Giang Province are preparing to resume the operation of some industrial parks which have been closed recently due to a large Covid-19 outbreak.   

Bac Giang People's Committee said they were preparing to resume the operation of Dinh Tram, Quang Chau, Song Khe-Noi Hoang and Van Trung industrial parks from May 28. The industrial parks must strictly follow all requirements such as production scale and organisation plans and will be inspected before any operations are resumed.

In the first phase, firms can only use workers that have tested negative at least twice and been approved by the local authorities from May 9. They must be tested negative one day before returning to work. Firms must arrange a separate living area or dormitory for the employees who were asked to limit direct contact with other people outside of their homes and workplaces.

Firms at industrial parks will transport employees to their new living spaces and test all of them at least three days before resuming operation. Any newly-employed workers must fill in medical declaration forms and be tested twice before starting work.

Firms must also have Covid-19 prevention teams to respond to emergencies and a quarantine room for suspected cases.

VBS marks Buddha’s birthday in scaled-down ceremony

The Vietnam Buddhist Shangha (VBS) celebrated Buddha’s 2565th birthday in a scaled-down ceremony in Hanoi on May 26 amid the resurgence in COVID-19 cases in the northern region.

The ceremony was broadcast on An Vien Television and livestreamed on social media to allow Buddhists to join the celebrations. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF)’s Central Committee sent flowers to congratulate the VBS on the occasion.

In a message sent to the ceremony, VBS Supreme Patriarch Most Venerable Thich Pho Tue spoke of how the world has become an uncertain place, with severe pandemic, environmental, climate change, and conflict crises. “The COVID-19 pandemic has made the entire world realise that we must stick together and act together for the common good,” he said.

“Countries need to sit down and seek solutions to climate change and ensure equitable access to vaccines against the coronavirus, without discrimination.”

He called on every person to remain supportive and show solidarity with the Government and society to overcome the pandemic, return to normal life, and develop the country.

He also congratulated the Party, State, and the VFF on leading the nation to make various achievements in containing the spread of the virus and in national construction and defence.

President of the VFF Central Committee Do Van Chien sent a congratulatory letter to the ceremony, in which he hailed the VBS and its chapters for joining people around the country to fight COVID-19 and provide relief for victims of natural disasters while actively engaging in social welfare projects and patriotic emulation movements.

He expects the VBS will keep up its good work and together with people nationwide defeat the pandemic./.

PM lauds “white blouse” soldiers in frontline of anti-COVID-19 fight 

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has hailed tireless efforts and whole-hearted devotion made by medical workers, the “white blouse” soldiers on the frontline in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

In a letter to the frontline medical workers, the Government leader laid stress on the complicated developments of the especially dangerous disease that has spawned healthcare crisis, and caused critical socio-economic impacts globally.

Although the fourth COVID-19 wave has hit the nation with more infectious variants, Vietnam has so far been able to put the pandemic under control thanks to considerable experiences as well as sound and timely prevention measures carried out by the entire political system, the whole people and military.

Particularly, Vietnam organised the election of deputies to the 15th National Assembly and People’s Councils at all levels in a successful and safe manner, with a high rate of turnout of 99.57 percent.

The results were attributable to the strong leadership of the Politburo, Secretariat, President, National Election Council, Government, Prime Minister and National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control, coupled with the solidarity of the people, the participation of all sectors and the political system, and the dedication of frontline workers and members of community-based anti-COVID-19 groups.

“We will never forget the images of doctors and medical workers who have put aside their personal life to take care of COVID-19 patients with their whole hearts. There was a time that they felt exhausted; however, they keep on fighting for public health”.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, Chinh acknowledged and praised the devoted health care workers in the past time.

“Every battlefield poses severer hardship, every combat has sacrifices, and you are truly the “white blouse” soldiers who have committed to a noble mission”, he wrote.

He expressed his hope that doctors and medical workers nationwide will make further efforts and take stronger actions to help the nation stamp out the pandemic.

In the end, he wished the “soldiers” good health and success in their missions entrusted by the Party, State and people./.

National Assembly Standing Committee meets this week

The National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee is scheduled to convene its 5th meeting in Hanoi on May 27, the NA Office announced.

NA Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue will chair the NA Standing Committee meeting
The committee will review the preliminary results of the recent election of deputies to the 15th legislature and grassroots-level People’s Councils for ther 2021-2026 tenure.

It will give opinions on the 2019 State budget report and examine the Government’s report on thrift practice and waste prevention in 2020.

Nearly 68 million Vietnamese people cast their ballot on Election Day on May 23, with voter turnout reaching more than 98%. Several localities reported a coter turnout of more than 99%, including Hau Giang, Lao Cai, Tra Vinh, Vinh Long, Gia Lai, Quang Ninh, and Quang Nam.

The new legislature will have 500 deputies and they are scheduled to meet in July to elect key leaders of the State apparatus.

President encourages national football team ahead of important games

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc (L) shakes hands with the national football team's head coach Park Hang-seo

The national football team are scheduled to leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 26 to play the remaining games of Group G in the second round of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers. (Photo: Vietnam+)
Hanoi (VNA) – State President Nguyen Xuan Phuc has sent a letter of encouragement to the Vietnamese men’s football team ahead of the second round of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers.

President Phuc said that to continue the glorious moments in regional tournaments over the past years, the “golden star warriors” will leave today for a higher goal of winning a slot in the final round of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Vietnamese football fans will always be watching, encouraging and supporting the team, he wrote, expressing his belief that under the leadership of head coach Park Hang-seo, the “golden star warriors” will stay united and confident to play at their best and shine in their games, enhancing the position of Vietnamese football in the world arena.

“Keep your firm steps forwards under the beloved national flag,” the President wrote.

The national football team are scheduled to leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 26 to play the remaining games of Group G in the second round of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers./.

Vietnam enter FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021 after a draw against Lebanon

Vietnam secured the final Asian ticket for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021 after a 1-1 draw against Lebanon in their second leg play-off game on May 25 thanks to their away goal.

Chau Doan Phat dribbled past Ahmad Kheir El Dine before slotting past goalkeeper Hussein Hamdani, putting Vietnam ahead in the second half.

In less than a minute later, Lebanon players immediately applied the power play tactic, with Ali Tneich finishing off a series of pass with a simple tap in from close range to equalize the score.

They continued bringing to bear mounting pressure in the last minutes, but it was Vietnamese players who sat back in defence and repelled attacks, denying their rivals’ attempts and preserving the result.

The 1-1 draw on aggregate was enough for Vietnam to earn the final Asian ticket for the FIFA Futsal World Cup 2021 to be held in Lithuania.

This is the second time Vietnam have qualified for the global tournament.

In its twitter account, the world's football governing body FIFA has congratulated Vietnam on its second participation in the World Cup.

Vietnam now join Iran, Japan, Uzbekistan and Thailand, who also trounced Iraq in another play-off tie on the same day, in the finals, scheduled to kick off this September.

Vietnam’s domestic COVID-19 cases up by 80 on May 26 morning

Eighty more cases were added to Vietnam’s domestically-transmitted COVID-19 count on May 26 morning, pushing the national tally to 5,931.

The Ministry of Health said among the new patients, 55 were recorded in Bac Giang province, 23 in Bac Ninh province, and one each in Thanh Hoa and Hai Duong provinces.

Most of the cases in the northern province of Bac Giang are linked to pandemic clusters at industrial parks and locked-down areas.

As of 6 am on May 26, Vietnam detected 4,442 local infections, of which 2,872 were recorded since the fourth wave of outbreaks began in the country late last month.

As many as 2,794 patients have been given the all-clear so far. The number of fatalities stands at 44.

Among the patients still undergoing treatment, 70 have tested negative for the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 once, 41 twice and 69 thrice.

About 164,170 people are under medical monitoring nationwide, including 5,296 in hospitals, 35,070 in other State-designated facilities, and 123,807 at their homes or places of residence.

On May 25, another 2,602 people in six cities and provinces were given COVID-19 vaccine shots, raising the total number of vaccinated people to 1,034,072./.

Gifts worth over 480 billion VND to be presented to revolution contributors

The Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs plans to earmark 480.38 billion VND (20.85 million USD) for gifts to revolution contributors on the occasion of War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27).

Under the plan, Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, war invalids, war veterans contaminated with chemical toxins and losing at least 81 percent of working capacity, and relatives of martyrs each will get 600,000 VND.

There is also another kind of gifts with a value of 300,000 VND each, to be presented to war invalids, war veterans losing 80 percent or less of their work capability, and martyrs’ relatives.

The ministry said this year’s gift value is 50 percent higher than that in the previous year./.

Celebrations for Buddha’s birthday scaled down

The Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS) Central Committee has decided to celebrate Buddha’s 2565th birthday with a gathering of less than 10 people, given the complex developments of COVID-19.

The VBS Central Committee had earlier planned to hold a celebration at its headquarters in Hanoi on the morning of May 26, attended by Buddhist monks, nuns and followers, and agency representatives.

Although the celebrations have been scaled down, all rituals will be maintained and broadcast live on the An Vien TV channel and the social network Butta.

The Standing Board of the VBS’s Executive Council has also asked VBS branches in cities and provinces, Buddhist places of worship, and monks and nuns to keep a close watch on the pandemic situation and follow relevant regulations.

It also called on Buddhist followers to raise funds in support of the COVID-19 fight and those affected by the pandemic./.

Vietnam commits to international cooperation in fighting COVID-19

Deputy head of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations and member of the Standing Committee of the International Conference of Asian Political Parties (ICAPP) Nguyen Manh Cuong has affirmed the CPV’s commitment to international cooperation in the fight against COVID-19.

Addressing the second special meeting on the COVID-19 pandemic held online on May 25, Cuong shared Vietnam’s experience in combating the pandemic and lauded the ICAPP’s efforts in sharing good practice in the work.

Participants spoke of their political parties’ role in the fight and shared the view that citizens in all countries, rich or poor, must be given fair access to COVID-19 prevention tools like vaccines and diagnosis and treatment techniques.

To this end, cooperation between the public and private sectors in testing, tracing, and treatment is required.

They highlighted the importance of international cooperation among political parties to foster links between countries, towards improving the ability to cope with contingencies and the capacity of the public healthcare system.

Regarding post-pandemic economic recovery, they agreed with the need to adapt to the situation and provide support for small and medium-sized enterprises during and after the economic downturn as well as vulnerable groups in society.

The meeting attracted leaders from 24 political parties in 18 Asian countries and representatives from the Permanent Conference of Political Parties of Latin America and the Caribbean (COPPPAL) and several international organisations./.

Labour Confederation proposes prioritising workers in COVID-19 vaccinations

Vice President of the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) Tran Van Thuat said on May 25 that workers at businesses and industrial parks should be included in the priority list for COVID-19 vaccinations.

Thuat suggested the Ministry of Health's Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control consider the proposal and raise it with the Government for approval.

On behalf of the VGCL Presidium, Thuat handed over 500 million VND (21,750 USD) to the committee in support of the pandemic fight.
He cited reports from all-level trade unions as saying that since April 27, when the fourth wave of the pandemic started in Vietnam, nearly 1,100 infections and tens of thousands of “F1” cases have been reported among trade union members and workers.

The pandemic has also forced many enterprises to shut down and rendered a large number of employees jobless, he added.

To support pandemic-affected trade union members and workers, the VGCL has adopted support policies and instructed all-level trade unions to visit them and present gifts, according to the official.

Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen said his ministry has sent forces to the northern provinces of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang, which have both recorded many COVID-19 cases at industrial parks over recent days./.

Health expert proposes home quarantine of F1 

So far, all suspected cases having direct contact with Covid-19 patients are put under centralized quarantine.
Amid rising infections nationwide, local health expert has proposed home quarantine to people having direct contacts with confirmed coronavirus cases (F1), instead of putting them under centralized quarantine.

Associate Prof. Tran Dac Phu, senior advisor to the Vietnam Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC), said the measure could be used for low-risk F1.

"However, those under home quarantine will subject to tightened supervision", the health professional said at a meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam in Hanoi on May 24.

He said Vietnam needs to be flexible in quarantine rules [that all F1 are put in quarantine centers] in the face that the number of F1 amounts to dozens of thousands in two hotspots of Bac Giang and Bac Ninh.

Bac Giang province has so far reported 980 infections and 11,500 F1 while Bac Ninh has 474 cases with around 37,000 F1 and F2.

Phu gave explanation to high-risk and low-risk F1, saying that the first kind includes those of contact without masking within two meters in air-conditioned space.

“Epidemiologists need to cooperate with Bac Giang and Bac Ninh to classify F1 to impose different levels of isolation [at home or in quarantine centers],” Phu said.

For that reason, Deputy PM Dam asked the Ministry of Health to issue new quarantine regulations for industrial parks in Bac Giang and Bac Ninh in the short term and for the whole nation after effective trial.

Bac Giang has suspended four industrial parks with more than 60,000 workers under quarantine.

Meanwhile, Bac Ninh is putting more than 70,000 people on lockdown. Bac Ninh is located 10 industrial parks with more than 400,000 workers, including those working for Samsung Electronics Vietnam (SEV) and its vendors.

Central region attempts on forest protection from wildfire risk

According to the Central region’s meteorological and hydrological station, around eight or nine fierce heatwaves are expected across the Central provinces and cities in 2021.  

Currently, the Central region is entering the sweltering heat season with the highest temperature of up to 40 degrees Celsius, triggering forest fire risk alarm level V (extremely dangerous). 

Amidst the warnings above, the fire-prone provinces of Quang Binh, Ha Tinh and Nghe An have urgently deployed many solutions to protect millions of hectares of forests from wildfire. 

The Central region is covered with massive natural tropical forests like Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park in Quang Binh, Pu Mat National Park in Nghe An Province, etc where are home to natural native species of Vietnam to combat climate change.

According to Director of Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park Mr. Pham Hong Thai, the national park has 125,000 hectares of special-use forests and 200,000 hectares of buffer zone forests. 

As for Pu Mat National Park, the park was recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as the world biosphere reserve. Therefore, forest fire prevention and fighting are very important missions. 

Pu Mat National Park has coordinated with border guards to propagate awareness on the forest fire. 

According to Ha Tinh Provincial Steering Committee for Forest Fire Prevention and Control, the province has invested tens of billions of dong from central and local budgets for the forest fire prevention and fighting.

Particularly, four cameras were installed to detect forest fires in areas with a high risk of forestfire in addition to 160 blowers, 45 petrol saws, two flying cameras, 100 loudspeakers, 60 GPS tracking devices, 2,000 fire ban signs, etc. 

Influencers warned against misleading promotions

Competent authorities on May 20 sent a cease-and-desist notice to arts and literature associations in HCMC regarding influencers under them who have reportedly been promoting and/or endorsing products from affiliated brands with misleading or exaggerated information.

The letter issued by the Propaganda and Education Department under HCMC Party Committee stated how a number of HCMC-based celebrities and influencers have been promoting dietary supplements, cosmetic products, or virtual currencies on various social media posts and videos.

In many cases, the information presented has violated relevant guidelines and might do harm to viewers and damage the reputation of such celebrities, the Department said.

The letter urged leaders of HCMC art associations to discourage their members from taking any brand deal that might involve false advertising, as well as thoroughly raise their awareness on the matter.

Vietnamese artist to join exhibition at National Museum of Singapore 

The online artworks project allows children around the world to co-create with peers through the artworks amidst Covid-19 pandemic.

For the first time, the National Museum of Singapore has organized an exhibition specializing in children's art works called Gallery Children's Biennale with the theme “Why Art Matters”. Vietnamese artist Dinh Q Le will take part in this display.

The exhibition went online, starting from May 22, 2021 until December 2022 at the website: www.staging.childrensbiennale.com.

Gallery Children’s Biennale seeks to empower children to navigate the changing times with empathy and confidence through playful and interactive art experiences that explore topics relevant to the times such as Home, Diversity, Time and Environment.

By going “phygital”, combined with the words physical and digital, the Biennale also offers twice as much fun for local audiences as they get to participate in more diverse and new ways, from creating digital art through a finger swipe to exploring immersive installations at the gallery.

Taking place every two years, the Gallery Children's Biennale this time will include works of art (online and “phygital”) by nine artists and groups of artists.

Famous artists include: Dinh Q Le (Vietnam), artists Isabel and Alfredo Aquilizan (Philippines/Australia), Jeremy Sharma (Singapore), Joyce Ho (Taiwan - China), Khvay Samnang (Cambodia), Nandita Mukand (Singapore/India), Nona Garcia (Philippines), Sandra Lee (Singapore) and Speak Cryptic X ADDADDADD (Singapore).

In a time of physical restrictions, the hybrid format also fosters connection between children and artists, with the majority of the online works allowing children to co-create with established international artists and connect with peers around the world through the artworks.

The gallery's audience development and engagement director Suenne Megan Tan said at a virtual media preview that going online would give kids around the world access to the art program. She added that the new format is a timely coincidence for families here, given that the world has recently tightened measures to reduce the community spread of Covid-19.

Children are empowered to creatively express themselves and tell their personal stories through artworks that touch on the theme of Diversity. In Dinh Q Lê’s ‘Voices From The Centers’, children will learn to create a 60-second video in response to an artwork from the National Collection, using digital weaving techniques inspired by Lê’s signature photographic weavings.

In addition, young audiences will also gain a greater understanding of the concept of time or have a clearer view of environmental destructive issues, such as climate change and plastic waste. 

The on-site installations for Gallery Children’s Biennale will be available from September 4, 2021 to December 2022 at National Gallery Singapore.

Lao newspapers spotlight success of Vietnam’s general elections

Lao media have ran articles highlighting Vietnam’s elections of deputies to the 15th National Assembly (NA) and People's Councils at all levels for the 2021-2026 tenure.

They stressed that Vietnam ensured democracy, security and safety for the political event.

The Lao news agency (KPL) reported on May 24 that more than 60 million Vietnamese voters across the country on May 23 casted their ballots to elect qualified representatives to represent the Vietnamese people in the NA.

It emphasised that this was a great festival and an important opportunity for the entire Vietnamese people to exercise their citizen right, obligation and responsibility.

In its article published on the same day, The Pasaxon - the newspaper of the Lao People's Revolutionary Party, highlighted the success of the general elections.

According to the newspaper, over 69 million Vietnamese voters across the country on May 23 exercised their citizen right and duty to elect deputies to the 15th NA and People's Councils at all levels.

Vietnam recorded a high rate of turnout in the elections with nearly 98.43 percent, it said, noting that this demonstrates the high responsibility and confidence of the Vietnamese voters towards the event./.

Hanoi, Hoi An among top 10 unmissable destinations in Asia

Hanoi and the ancient town of Hoi An have been named in a top 10 list of Asia’s most unmissable destinations as voted on by readers of renowned travel website TripAdvisor.

According to the list, Hanoi ranked second, with many voters praising the charming streets found throughout the capital’s Old Quarter, along with the rapid pace of modern developments.

“Lakes, parks, shady boulevards and more than 600 temples and pagodas add to the appeal of this city, which is easily explored by taxi,” the article produced by TripAdvisor stated.

Elsewhere on the list, the ancient town of Hoi An secured fourth place.

“This city on the central Vietnamese coast is a well-preserved example of the important Southeast Asian trading port it was from the 15th to 19th centuries,” the website noted.

There were also suggestions that visitors should visit the town’s expert tailors in order to have bespoke clothing made for them in order to remember their trip.

Completing the top 10 list is Bangkok of Thailand, Siem Reap of Cambodia, Phuket of Thailand, New Delhi of India, Jaipur of India, Kathmandu of Nepal, and Beijing of China. 

Businesses make additional donations to COVID-19 vaccine fund

The Ministry of Health (MoH) on May 25 received 125 billion VND (5.4 million USD), 1 million USD, and 1 million vaccine doses donated by enterprises for the COVID-19 vaccine purchase and inoculation fund.

Minister of Health Nguyen Thanh Long said that since secured financial sources are of critical importance for carrying out strategies to achieve the fastest and most widespread access to COVID-19 vaccines, financial support from enterprises is very much necessary.

Describing the precious aid from businesses as an effective contribution to the fight against COVID-19, he called for continued assistance for the healthcare sector and the country as a whole in this regard.

Long also highlighted the Politburo’s view of mobilising every resource in society to help Vietnam access vaccines as fast as possible and ensure the broadest possible vaccine coverage, so as to bring the pandemic under control and have life return to normal.

Initiated by the Prime Minister, the COVID-19 vaccine fund was established to ensure finances for vaccine access. However, since vaccines are relatively expensive and have strict storage requirements, their transportation, storage, distribution, and use require major efforts from the healthcare sector, according to the minister.

Apart from seeking vaccine supplies from foreign sources, the country is also developing its own COVID-19 vaccines. The MoH has been working actively with partners and engaging some businesses in vaccine production, with a view that Made-in-Vietnam vaccines will be available by 2022.

The ministry has also coordinated with relevant units to discuss cooperation in vaccine development and manufacturing, Long noted, adding that it has successfully negotiated with AstraZeneca, Pfizer/BioNTech, and the COVAX Facility.

By the end of 2021, Vietnam will have received about 110 million COVID-19 vaccine doses, but the MoH’s task is to secure 150 million doses between now and then to provide inoculations for 75 percent of the population, as ordered by the Politburo and the Government, he said./.

Health ministry holds urgent meeting as over 300 workers in Bac Giang infected with COVID-19

The northern province of Bac Giang, Vietnam’s largest COVID-19 hotspot at present, had logged over 300 new infections as of the afternoon of May 25, the Ministry of Health (MoH)’s special taskforce in the province said.

All are workers staying in a sealed off area.

The MoH has held an urgent meeting with the special taskforce in Bac Giang and the province’s Health Department.

The cases were detected after an acceleration of testing conducted jointly by the MoH, local authorities, and relevant agencies over the last three days at all industrial parks (IPs), factories, and worker dormitories in the locality.

Associate Professor Dr Tran Nhu Duong, Deputy Director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, said that either factories in the IPs or the dormitories are the source of the infections. Both are high-density areas and the virus spreads quickly in the air.

The MoH has asked its special taskforce to immediately block off all worker dormitories and ensure strict compliance with quarantine regulations, especially in high-rise buildings accommodating a large number of workers, and apply regulations at quarantine sites in these areas.

Relevant agencies must not allow people to leave these areas or their rooms, and must conduct regular testing and disinfect workers’ residential areas./.

Men’s national football team ready to leave for UAE

The men’s national football team is scheduled to leave for the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on May 26 to play the remaining games of Group G in the second round of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers.

It will have 45 members - the highest to date for an overseas trip by the team.

Head coach Park Hang-seo on May 25 announced the roster of 29 players, comprising three goalkeepers, 11 defenders, 11 midfielders and four strikers.

They will travel on a special flight arranged by official carrier Bamboo Airways, which will help them take the largest volume of training equipment possible.

All members have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19. They will undergo testing 72 hours prior to departure and upon arrival in the UAE. Training sessions can start only once all members have tested negative for the coronavirus.

During their stay in the UAE, the team is only allowed to travel from the hotel to the training ground and the match venue. It will play a friendly with Jordan on May 31.

Vietnam currently top the group with 11 points, followed by Malaysia with nine and Thailand with eight. The UAE have six points, while Indonesia are yet to pick up any points.

The team needs at least four more points to gain a berth in the third round of the 2022 World Cup Asian qualifiers.

Matches will be held between June 7 and 15. The team will then fly home and stay in quarantine for three weeks./.

Pandemic-hit workers in Bac Ninh offered support

A delegation of representatives from the Vietnam General Confederation of Labour (VGCL) and organisations, individuals, and donors on May 25 presented financial support and goods to workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic in the northern province of Bac Ninh.

Vice President of the VGCL Ngo Duy Hieu, on behalf of the confederation, handed over donations totalling 500 million VND while representatives from organisations and individuals presented financial assistance and goods such as face masks, protective clothing, antiseptic solution, rice, food, and drinking water to the locality.

This is a practical effort to swiftly share the difficulties facing local workers and contribute to supporting Bac Ninh in its COVID-19 prevention and control efforts.

Chairwoman of the provincial Confederation of Labour Nguyen Thi Van Ha said that as of May 24, Bac Ninh had 44,412 trade union members and workers affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, including 41 infections, 1,446 “F1” cases, and 6,375 “F2” cases.

Notably, more than 35,000 workers must rent housing in locked down areas and apply social distancing measures, she said.

Responding to calls from the VGCL to join hands to support COVID-19 prevention and control work, over 250 organisations and individuals financed or donated medical equipment and supplies and essential necessities from May 11 to 24 to support local workers in Bac Ninh.

From April 29 to the morning of May 25, the province reported 536 new cases of COVID-19./.

Exhibition on National Assembly election in Ho Chi Minh City

An exhibition entitled "National Assembly Election - A National Festival" its taking place at Book Street - Nguyen Van Binh Street in Ho Chi Minh City's District 1. 

The event, jointly organised by the National Assembly (NA) Office, the Ministry of Home Affairs and the People's Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, is part of the activities in response to the elections of deputies to the 15th NA and all-level People's Councils for the 2021-2026 term.

The event, scheduled to run until May 28 is taking place amid an increasingly complicated epidemic situation in Ho Chi Minh City, as with many other localities across the country. Therefore, visitors are requested to strictly follow the Ministry of Health's 5K message: khau trang (face masks), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distancing), khong tu tap (no gatherings), and khai bao y te (health declarations)./.

Hanoi Capital High Command aids Laos in COVID-19 fight

The Hanoi Capital High Command on May 25 presented medical supplies to the Vientiane Capital Military Command of Laos to support the COVID-19 fight in the neighbouring country.

The medical supplies comprise 50,000 face masks, 1,000 sanitizer bottles and 50 electronic thermometres.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Major General Nguyen Quoc Duyet, Commander of the Hanoi Capital High Command, said through the aid package, his unit aims to share difficulties facing the Lao army and people, and contribute to strengthening the solidarity, friendship and mutual trust between the two countries, armies and capital commands in particular.

The officer said he hopes to receive more attention and support from the Lao Embassy in Vietnam so that the two capital commands would step up cooperation and complete their assigned tasks.

Present at the handover ceremony in Hanoi, Lao Ambassador to Vietnam Sengphet Houngboungnuang said the medical supplies will be utilised in the COVID-19 fight in Laos in the most effective way./.

COVID-19 cases continue rising in Southeast Asia

The numbers of COVID-19 cases continued to rise in Southeast Asian countries on May 25.

In Laos, 56 cases were confirmed in six cities and provinces in the past 24 hours, including 42 local and 14 imported cases, reported its Health Ministry.

The country has so far logged 1,878 infections, 1,180 have been given all-clear from the virus. Two died from the disease.

The same day, the Cambodian Health Ministry reported 568 more cases, raising the total count to more than 26,000. Of the new cases, 540 were community transmissions and 28 were imported.

As many as 663 patients recovered and four were dead, raising the total fatalities to 183.

Despite countermeasures, new cases among workers in factories in the provinces of Kampong Speu, Koh Kong, Takeo, Kampng Chhnang and Svay Rieng are still on the rise.

Meanwhile, Malaysia recorded additional 7,289 cases, a record since the pandemic outbreak, marking the first time the daily figure has surpassed 7,000.

To date, the country has confirmed a total of 525,889 infections, including over 2,300 deaths.

The Philippine Health Ministry also announced 3,972 new cases, bringing the total to 1,118,672. Another 36 deaths the same day raised the total to 20,019 in the country./.

Vietnam urges countries to protect civilians in armed conflicts

Deputy head of Vietnam’s Mission to the United Nations Ambassador Pham Hai Anh has reiterated the message of commitment to promote the compliance with international humanitarian law and protecting civilians in conflicted areas.

Addressing the UN Security Council (UNSC)’s annual open debate held online on May 25, Anh expressed his concern over civilian casualties in armed conflicts, including hundreds of people killed in the Israel-Palestine conflict in the past weeks.

The diplomat stressed that parties in the conflicts need to fully abide by international humanitarian law and ensure unobstructed humanitarian access. He expressed support for the sharing of experience in incorporating international legal obligations into domestic legal regulations and laws.

Having affirmed that countries hold the top responsibility for protecting civilians, he emphasised that the most effective and long-term solution is preventing and ending conflicts, maintaining sustainable peace, improving people's livelihoods and resilience to challenges caused by climate change and epidemics.

When Vietnam assumed the Presidency of the UNSC in April 2021, the UNSC agreed to adopt Resolution 2573 on protecting key infrastructure and services and the President’s Statement on dealing with the consequences of bombs, mines and explosives left over from the war, thus calling on the UNSC to maintain solidarity and unity to send a strong message of promoting the compliance with international humanitarian law, protecting civilians, and turning such commitments into reality for the sake of residents in conflicted areas, he said.

Participants said the UNSC and international community need to make further efforts and take practical actions to reduce civilian casualties, address challenges like starvation caused by conflicts, attacks on medical services, sex and gender-based violence and environmental degradation.

They called for complying with humanitarian law and fully implementing the UNSC’s resolutions, including the Resolution 2573 adopted by the UNSC during Vietnam’s presidency./.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes

VIETNAM NEWS HEADLINES MAY 25

Bac Ninh asks residents to stay home after 8:00 p.m.