Accordingly, the variant was detected through the Infectious Disease Surveillance System which keeps track of hospitalized COVID-19 patients in December, 2023, in the southern city.

The World Health Organization (WHO) stated that the number of COVID-19 cases has slightly increased since December, 2023, with most cases infected with JN.1 variant as seen in Singapore and India. The WHO also classified the new JN.1 strain as a "variant of interest".

The Department noted that the number of hospitalisations occurring in the city had increased over the last six weeks, with the possibility that several new variants may spread among the community and attack the elderly and unvaccinated people. The positive news is that both COVID-19 vaccines and relevant drugs are reportedly still effective against the new variant JN.1.

Following the risk of increased epidemics at the end of the year, the Center for Disease Control of Ho Chi Minh City (HCDC) recommended that people proactively take preventative measures aimed at protecting themselves from the diseases.

The HCDC requested that people wear masks in public places, regularly wash their hands with soap or hand sanitizer, and cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing in a bid to prevent the further spread of respiratory diseases.

Moreover, people should avoid contact with people showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as cough, fever, and difficulty in breathing as a means of preventing diseases from spreading further.

Source: VOV