Vietnam recorded four locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases in the past 12 hours as of 6am on February 7, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

Of the new cases, three were in northern Hai Duong province - the country’s largest COVID-19 hotspot, and one in the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai.

The country has recorded 1,985 SARS-CoV-2 infections so far. Of the total, 1,095 were locally-transmitted cases.

According to the Treatment Sub-committee under National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, 1,468 COVID-19 patients have recovered. Thirty- five died from complications related to the disease.

Among the patients still under treatment, ten have tested negative for the virus one, three twice, and two thrice.

There are 83,104 people who had close contact with confirmed cases or coming from the pandemic-hit regions under quarantine at present./.

Former leading Vietnamese pencak silat athlete dies at 35

Huynh Thi Thu Hong, a former leading Vietnamese pencak silat martial artist, passed away on February 4 aged 35 after a short battle with cancer.

She was originally diagnosed with late-stage cancer and died only 10 days after learning about her illness.

Hong was born in the Mekong Delta province of An Giang and first took up pencak silat when she was 13 years old.

Between 2004 and 2010 she played a key role in the Vietnamese national pencak silat team, going on to secure many medals at various regional and international tournaments.

Most notably, in 2009 she won three gold medals in three consecutive games, including the Asian Martial Arts games in Thailand, the Asian Indoor Games in Vietnam, and the 25th Southeast Asian (SEA) Games in Laos.

During her career as a coach she led the An Giang team to many medal victories in the 2020 national pencak silat championships.

A funeral ceremony for the martial artist is scheduled to be held in her hometown in An Giang province on February 6.

Da Nang: COVID-19 patient turns critical, relies on ECMO

A COVID-19 patient in Da Nang city, central Vietnam, has received ECMO, a sophisticated therapy to save patients in critical condition.

Taking care of seriously ill COVID-19 patients at National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi.
The 79-year-old patient, who returned from the US and stayed in Da Nang on January 13, has been given the life support therapy - extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) – after turn critical, according to the National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention and Control.

After 3 days of hospitalization, the patient’s condition deteriorated rapidly, with severe lung damage. The patient showed signs of basal coagulation and mild systemic edema, requiring intensive treatment, including an ECMO therapy, mechanical ventilation and dialysis.

Experts held four national consultations and agreed the patient is at a high risk of death, as he suffers from diabetes (type II) and hypertension.

Elsewhere doctors are taking care of four other seriously-ill COVID-19 patients in Hanoi and Quang Ninh.

So far Vietnam has recorded 1,978 coronavirus cases since the disease broke out in the country in late January 2020.

Da Nang was the country’s coronavirus hotspot when the second outbreak attacked the country in late July 2020. Thirty-five people have died of COVID-19 and related health issues, mostly in Da Nang.

Vietnam is dealing with another wave of COVID-19 after the virus recurred in Hai Duong and Quang Ninh provinces more than a week ago. The virus has spread to 12 cities and provinces across the country with 402 new cases confirmed.

Second train for Hanoi metro line docks in Hai Phong

The second metro train that will be used on the Nhon-Hanoi Railway Station route docked at the Hai Phong port early on February 5.

The train manufactured in France consists of four carriages which will be able to accommodate between 944 and 1,124 passengers.

Once fully operational, the train will be capable of reaching a maximum speed of 80 km/h.

Most notably, the train is fully equipped to feature modern facilities, including air conditioners, ventilators, radio, camera, fire protection, and smoke detection systems, and automatic LED lights.

The arrival of the carriages marks the completion of the second train that has been specifically produced for the line out of a total of ten. The other eight trains are now in the process of being manufactured in France and are due to arrive in Vietnam by July.

The Nhon-Hanoi Railway Station metro line spans for a length of 12.5 kilometres and runs from Nhon in the western district of Nam Tu Liem through to Kim Ma street before concluding at the newly-refurbished Hanoi Railway Station in downtown Hanoi.

Vietnam benefits from initial roll-out of COVAX vaccine

Vietnam is one of the countries that will soon benefit from the first phase of COVID-19 vaccine delivery run by COVAX, a global initiative led by the World Health Organisation and other partners.

COVAX announced Vietnam will receive between 4,886,400 to 8,253,600 doses, of which 25 - 35% will be delivered in the first quarter and the remainder in the second quarter of 2021. Astra Zeneca vaccine has been selected for the initial roll-out.

COVAX facility is co-led by the World Health Organization (WHO), GAVI, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI). Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.

The COVAX facility has set a target of vaccinating approximately 20% of the population of its vaccine recipients in 2021. Vietnam is one of the 190 countries that have joined the campaign.

Dr. Tran Thi Giang Huong, Director of the WHO Division of Programmes for Disease Control and WHO Coordinator for the Western Pacific region on COVID 19, said that WHO is working closely with its partners, including UNICEF, GAVI, and CEPI as well as vaccine manufacturers to ensure timely supply of vaccine to the recipient countries.

Due to a limited supply in the first phase, Huong said health workers on the front line will be the first to be vaccinated against COVID-19, followed by vulnerable groups like the elderly with underlying health issues.

During a recent meeting with Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, the chief representatives of the UNDP, UNICEF and WHO in Vietnam said they are working closely with the Ministry of Health to work out an injection plan as required by COVAX. First doses of WHO-initiated vaccine programme are expected to reach Vietnam in the first quarter of 2021 if conditions allow.

Four Vietnamese firms are researching and developing vaccines against COVID-19. Two of them are carrying out clinical trials of their vaccines, Nano Covax and Covivac. The locally-made vaccines are due to be commercially marketed later this year.

Vietnam has recently signed an agreement with UK-based vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca, with the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines expected to arrive in Vietnam in either late February or early March. Approximately 30 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are anticipated to reach Vietnamese people by this June. 

So far Vietnam has recorded 1,978 coronavirus cases since the disease broke out in the country in late January 2020. The fresh outbreak recurred in late January 2021 and the virus has spread to 12 cities and provinces across the country with 402 new cases confirmed.

Ministry to seek feedback on draft National Action Plan on Climate Change Response

Deputy Prime Minister Trinh Dinh Dung has asked the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (MoNRE) to solicit feedback from relevant agencies on the draft of the National Action Plan on Climate Change Response from 2021-2030, according to an official letter from the Government Office.

MoNRE is also tasked with studying the feasibility of integrating and amending drafts of the National Action Plan on Climate Change Response and the National Action Plan on Climate Change Adaptation over the next 10 years with a vision to 2050, issued along with the Prime Minister’s Decision No 1055/QD-TTg dated July 20, 2020.

It must identify suitable resources to ensure the feasibility of policies outlined in the plan and avoid any overlap with programmes and plans already being implemented.

The ministry is also responsible for the development of a bill on climate change, during which it is required to consult the Ministry of Planning and Investment and other relevant agencies.

Vietnam has been party to the Paris Climate Agreement since 2015 and has submitted its updated nationally determined contribution (NDC) to the Secretariat of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.

The updated NDC demonstrates Vietnam’s commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and adapting to climate change at a strategic level.

The National Action Plan on Climate Change Adaptation from 2021-2030 sets out strategic tasks for climate change adaption in Vietnam and its commitments outlined in the updated NDC in the medium and long terms./.

Russian news agency praises Vietnam’s achievements in blood cancer combat

Sputnik also lauds the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion’s efforts in blood collection through campaigns.

Russia’s news agency Sputnik has run an article highlighting Vietnam’s achievements in fighting blood cancer on the occasion of World Cancer Day (February 4).

Vietnam has applied the world's advances in blood cancer treatment, successfully conducted a nationwide epidemiological survey on Thalassemia, and ensured blood reserves amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the article said.

It cited statistics by Globocan 2020 as saying that Vietnam registered 182,563 new cases of cancer and 122,690 cancer deaths last year, with blood cancer making up 3.4 percent of the new cases.

The field of genetics - molecular biology also achieved positive results in the study of genetic mutations in blood cancer, contributing to improving treatment quality and diagnosis of hereditary blood disorders.

The article also lauded the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion’s efforts in blood collection through campaigns amidst the spread of the pandemic.

It said scientific-technological application in Vietnam has facilitated blood donation, noting an application and a Zalo account launched by the institute in this regard./.

Health sector faces shortage of 13,000 units of blood for Tet

With Tet (Lunar New Year) approaching together with the resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic, blood donations to the National Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion (NIHBT) have decreased.

As many as 30 organisations have requested to cancel planned blood donations involving more than 8,000 units of blood.

From January 29 to February 1, the institute received just over 1,300 units of blood, while the normal need for blood supply is 1,200 - 1,500 units.

The whole week before Tet holiday, from February 1 to 7, the institute expects to receive only 3,000 blood units.

As of 9am on February 2, the institute's blood reserve was only 7,500 units. Red blood cells and platelets are the most severely deficient, seriously affecting the provision of 177 medical facilities in 28 provinces and cities that cover approximately 41 million people.

Previously, on December 7 last year, the Vietnam Health Union issued official letter No 379 to the grassroots trade union on voluntary blood donation. Responding to this action, health authorities in many provinces, cities and hospitals in Hanoi planned to organise blood donation drives. However, new COVID-19 outbreaks have forced these organisations to prioritise pandemic prevention.

Bach Quoc Khanh, director of the NIHBT, said: “The pressure to receive and supply blood before, during and after Tet is always a constant concern for blood transfusion facilities. With the current plan of receiving blood, the institute still lacks about 13,000 blood units to provide emergency and treatment before, during and after Tet."

The NIHBT is seeking people with good health to donate blood, especially those with blood type O and A, from now to the end of this month.

At blood donation points, the NIHBT strictly implements anti-pandemic measures according to the Ministry of Health’s guidance to ensure safety for donors, recipients and medical staff.

Blood can be donated at the NIHBT on Pham Van Bach Street in Hanoi's Cau Giay District from 8am to 8pm all days including Saturday, Sunday and public holidays.

Other fixed blood donation points in Hanoi are at No 26 Luong Ngoc Quyen in Hoan Kiem District, No 132 Quan Nhan in Thanh Xuan District and No 10, Lane 122 Lang Street in Dong Da District, from 8am to 12am and 1pm to 5pm from Monday to Saturday./.

Bac Lieu: 838 mln USD earmarked for anti-erosion efforts by 2030

The Mekong Delta province of Bac Lieu has earmarked nearly 19.3 trillion VND (838 million USD) to respond to river and coastal erosion by 2030, according to Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Pham Van Thieu.

The province has been suffering severe erosion along its riverbanks and coastline, putting people’s life and property at risk.

It plans to complete a total of 27 anti-erosion projects by 2025, including 16 river and nine coastal projects, while the other two will be for residential relocation and repairing and upgrading transport projects.

Twenty-three more projects are scheduled to finish by 2030, including 27 on the prevention of river erosion, one for residential relocation, and another fixing and renovating transport projects.

Thieu has requested that local districts closely cooperate with relevant departments and agencies to inspect high-risk riverside and coastal areas, set up warning signs, and produce timely response plans. People at risk will also be encouraged and supported to move from these areas, he added.

Local districts have also been asked to coordinate with the provincial Department of Natural Resources and Environment and others to strictly punish illegal sand miners in coastal areas./.

ASEAN Prize 2021 launched

The ASEAN Secretariat has recently launched its call for nominations for the ASEAN Prize 2021.

Now in its fourth year, the prestigious regional award acknowledges outstanding ASEAN citizens or ASEAN-based organisations who have made exceptional contributions and shown exemplary work in strengthening the ASEAN Community building, promoting regional integration, fostering inclusivity and raising ASEAN awareness.

According to a press release on February 5, Director of the ASEAN Secretariat’s Community Affair Lee Yoong Yoong stressed that: "After a challenging 2020, ASEAN Prize 2021 is an opportunity to celebrate the indomitable spirit of ASEAN citizens in helping to improve our lives as a community. We hope to identify and recognise another ASEAN champion to inspire the region as we journey together towards post-pandemic recovery.”.

The Judging Committee, chaired by ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi and his predecessors, will review the nominations and select the ASEAN Prize 2021 recipient, who will receive the ASEAN Prize trophy to be presented at the 54th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting in Brunei, and a 20,000 USD cash prize.

Launched in 2018, the award is supported by Temasek Foundation of Singapore and Yayasan Hasanah Foundation of Malaysia. 

Last year, the ASEAN Studies Centre from the ISEAS-Yusof Ishak Institute of Singapore was awarded the prize for their long-standing work in promoting regional integration in ASEAN./.

13th National Congress proves CPV’s important contributions to int’l communist movements

The 13th National Congress of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) once again proved the contributions of historical significance the Party made to international communist and workers' movements after political changes in the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe from 1989 – 1990, according to Lëtzebuerger Vollek (zlv.lu).

Since then, the number of CPV members has doubled, from 2.5 million to 5.2 million at the moment, some 60 percent of them are young people, the Germany-based daily newspaper said in a story entitled “On the way of Ho Chi Minh” by Gerhard Feldbauer.

It reported that the congress ended after week-long discussions on reforms and the CPV’s major tasks on the path towards socialism.

The event was concluded one day earlier than planned as new cases of COVID-19 infection were found in the north, including Hanoi, last week, it said. Schools, bars and karaoke bars in the capital city have been shut down again since February 1. However, in contrast to the devastating impacts of the pandemic on other countries, the Vietnamese government has been doing relatively well to protect its people from the coronavirus.

It quoted a report delivered by re-elected Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong in the congress as saying on its socialist path, Vietnam, from an agriculture-dependent country, is striving to become the one with modern industry. With an annual growth of 6-8 percent, it is the fastest growing economy in Southeast Asia, it said, adding that the country has also dedicated to strengthening cooperation with other Asian countries.

The newspaper also mentioned the closing remark by Trong, in which the top leader emphasised his commitment to stepping up the fight against corruption. Those are not just empty words, it said, as over the last few years, corruption combat has been Trong’s top priority which resulted in a number of high-profile officials, including two members of the Politburo, convicted and expelled from the CPV.

Redglobe.de, also from Germany, meanwhile, quoted the Party of Labour of Austria (PDA)’s statement, highlighting the CPV’s history and its bravery struggles against colonialism and imperialism which have inspired the oppressed and working class around the world. The PDA also highly spoke of Vietnam’s successful COVID-19 containment as the country remains a low number of COVID-19 deaths, saying it is the country’s biggest contemporary achievement./.

Peruvian Ambassador hails Vietnam’s international role

With its accomplishments in economic development and international integration, Vietnam has become an important member of Asia and the world, Peruvian Ambassador to Vietnam Augusto Morelli has said.

During a recent interview with Vietnam News Agency’s correspondents in Hanoi, the ambassador stated that the implementation of the door-opening policy and the “Doi Moi” (Renewal) cause over the past 35 years has created an impetus for the country’s sustainable growth and economic development.

Regarding Vietnam’s efforts in COVID-19 prevention and combat, the diplomat said Vietnam does not stand alone in the fight, as it is a global issue. Agencies of both Peru and Vietnam have rolled out various measures to minimise the adverse impact of the pandemic and speed up vaccination programmes.

He also laid stress on the significance of efforts made in economic recovery as well as the balance between economic development and public health care.

Because both Peru and Vietnam are emerging economies, the two need to bolster multilateralism and globalisation, thereby ensuring each country’s engagement in the global supply chain, Morelli underlined.

On such basis, the two countries welcome practical cooperation frameworks, including the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum which Vietnam and Peru joined in 1998; and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), a large integration mechanism that enables the two economies to expand markets.

The ambassador also noted that Peru and Vietnam share numerous similarities in economic trends, adding that globalisation and trade exchange are among factors helping the countries sustain and bolster growth.

He took the occasion to extend his congratulations to Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong on his re-election as General Secretary of the 13th-tenure Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam.

The Peruvian diplomat spoke highly of determination and tenacity of Vietnam’s Party and State in upholding and building on achievements during the implementation of regulations and policies outlined by the country’s leaders./.

Foreign leaders congratulate Nguyen Phu Trong on re-election

International party and state leaders have sent their warmest congratulations to Party General Secretary and State President Nguyen Phu Trong on his re-election as the leader of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee for the 13th tenure.

The congratulatory messages were cabled by Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel, Russian President Vladimir Putin, Indian President Ram Nath Kovind, Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide, Secretary-General of the People’s Action Party and Prime Minister of Singapore Lee Hsien Loong, President of the Bangladesh Awami League and Prime Minister Sheikh Hasima, Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas, and General Secretary of the Sandinista National Liberation Front of Nicaragua and President Daniel Ortega Saavedra.

On the list are also leader of Japan’s Komeito Party Yamaguchi Natsuo, General Secretary of the Communist Party of India D. Raja, General Secretary of Cambodia’s FUNCIPEC Party Pich Sodetha, National Secretary of the French Communist Party Fabien Roussel, General Secretary of the Portuguese Communist Party Jerónimo de Sousa, President of the Party of Russian Communists Maksim Cyraikin, President of the Czech Communist Party Vojtěch Filip, Chairman of the Hungarian Workers’ Party Gyula Thürmer, President of the Communist Party of Germany Patrick Köbele, First Vice President of the United Socialist Party of Venezuela Diosdado Cabello Rondón, General Secretary of the Dominican Republic’s United Left Movement Miguel Mejia, General Secretary of the Mexican Labour Party Alberto Anaya Gutierrez, General Secretary of the Costa Rican Broad Front Party Antonio Ortega Gutiérrez, and several ambassadors and former ambassadors in Vietnam./.

Vietnamese expats in Laos celebrate traditional Tet

To welcome the upcoming Lunar New Year 2021, students and teachers at the Nguyen Du Lao - Vietnamese Bilingual School in Vientiane, Laos, held a “banh chung” (square glutinous rice cake) making event to help local students learn more about Vietnam’s traditional customs and culture.

Different to the usual solemn atmosphere, today teachers and students at the Nguyen Du Lao - Vietnamese Bilingual School got together to make “banh chung” (square glutinous rice cake), a traditional Tet delight.

Trinh Minh Thai was born and grows up in Laos, and today he’s quite proud to help his Lao friends at school learn how to make “banh chung” and explain the meaning of the cake in Vietnamese culture.

Making the cakes proved popular among Vietnamese and Lao alike, as it gave the teachers and students the chance to get together and gain a better understanding of Vietnam’s traditional customs and culture.

Making “banh chung” attracted hundreds of teachers and students, who had a lot of fun with their creations./.

PM presents Tet gifts to social support centre in Quang Nam

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on February 5 afternoon visited and presented Tet gifts to vulnerable people who have been cared for at the social support centre in central Quang Nam province.

The centre has been regularly taking care of 147 people, including orphans, the disabled and the elderly.

Having presented gift packages to these people and staff of the centre, PM Phuc affirmed that while stepping up the country’s socio-economic development, the Party and State have always paid due attention to vulnerable groups in society. This shows the good nature and preeminence of the regime, he said.

The government leader highly evaluated Quang Nam’s efforts to build the social support centre which is capable of caring for 150-160 people.

As the Lunar New Year (Tet) – the biggest traditional festival of Vietnam – is approaching, PM Phuc asked the centre to pay attention to the circumstance of each person and create favourable conditions for those who can return home for family reunion.

All members of the centre must strictly comply with COVID-19 prevention and control measures, he said.

The PM also requested the centre’s staff to continuously improve their skills, qualifications and responsibility in taking care for the disabled and the elderly./.

Binh Duong seals off apartment block as new COVID-19 infection detected

An apartment block in Vinh Phu ward of Thuan An city in the southern province of Binh Duong has been placed on lockdown since February 6 morning to trace the contacts of a new COVID-19 case living there.

Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Nguyen Loc Ha said the new patient works at Tan Son Nhat International Airport in nearby Ho Chi Minh City and doesn’t have any links with the local cases related to northern Hai Duong province, one of the two localities hit by the latest outbreaks.

The new infection, born in 1993, was confirmed by the HCM City Pasteur Institute on February 6 morning and is now quarantined and treated at the Cu Chi COVID-19 treatment hospital in HCM City.

Ha noted that authorities have ordered prompt localising of affected areas and tracing the close contacts of this patient to conduct quarantine and testing.

As of February 6 morning, Vietnam had recorded 1,976 cases of COVID-19. They include 1,087 locally-infected cases, with 394 reported since January 27, when the new outbreak started.

As many as 1,465 patients have recovered while the number of related deaths stays unchanged, at 35, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control./.

Fatherland Front leader sends Tet gifts to the disadvantaged in Hau Giang

Politburo member and President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee Tran Thanh Man on February 6 visited and presented gifts to low-income and disadvantaged families in Thanh Xuan commune of Chau Thanh A district in the Mekong Delta province of Hau Giang, as the Lunar New Year (Tet) is nearing.

On behalf of the Party and State’s leaders, Man offered the best Tet wishes to the families and lauded efforts and achievements of Hau Giang’s Party organisation,administration, and people, including those in Thanh Xuan commune and Chau Thanh A district.

He asked the local party committees and administrations at all levels to continue caring for poor and disadvantaged families and help improve livelihoods for them and education for their children, calling on residents to enhance solidarity and join authorities in promoting local development.

The VFF and Hau Giang leaders presented Tet gifts to 100 poor and disadvantaged families on this occasion.

Earlier, the VFF Central Committee’s delegation had offered gifts to 100 underprivileged households in Long Thanh commune of the province’s Phung Hiep district.

The VFF Committees of Ho Chi Minh City and Can Tho city also supported their Hau Giang counterpart with 1 billion VND (43,700 USD) to help care for households with disadvantages./.

Vietnamese expats in US celebrate Tet in virtual gathering

The Embassy of Vietnam in the US hosted a virtual gathering on February 5 for the first time to celebrate the Tet (Lunar New Year) with Vietnamese people and international friends living in the US.

Connecting Hanoi and about 30 locations across the US, the event was attended by more than 200 guests, including Vietnamese-Americans; Vietnamese nationals working and studying in the US; and foreign friends, many of whom have been playing an active role in strengthening the Vietnam-US ties over the past years.

Former senior director for Asia at the US National Security Council Evan Medeiros, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of State Nirav Patel, US Ambassador Kenneth Quinn and World Bank Regional Vice President for East Asia and the Pacific Victoria Kwakwa were also among the guests.

Addressing the event, Vietnamese Ambassador to the US Ha Kim Ngoc and his spouse conveyed the warmest greetings to all the guests.

He briefed the guests on Vietnam’s successes last year despite impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic, saying Vietnamese representative offices in the US have coordinated well to arrange rescue flights and urged local authorities to ensure safety and legitimate rights of Vietnamese people.

Ngoc also praised the concerted efforts made by Vietnamese people in the US to overcome hardships and support the local response to the coronavirus pandemic, saying Vietnam’s achievements and progress in the bilateral relations cannot be made without contributions of the Vietnamese community and international friends in the US./

Localities hasten efforts to bring COVID-19 resurgence under control

The localities recording community transmission of COVID-19 over the last few days are ramping up large-scale testing as well as other measures in an effort to curb the latest resurgence of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2.

As of the end of February 5, Ha Long city in northern Quang Ninh province, one of the two localities where the new outbreak began, had collected more than 8,000 samples from four high-risk wards, Ha Khau, Gieng Day, Bai Chay, and Hung Thang, which are all related to five COVID-19 cases in Ha Khau.

Apart from testing local residents, Ha Long also prioritises giving tests for all medical staff, inpatients and outpatients in all hospitals, high-risk workers in healthcare establishments, people coming from outbreak-hit areas and those with close contact with them, personnel working in the frontlines, sellers in markets, drivers from outbreak-hit areas, and the ones guarding markets and shopping centres.

The city plans to complete widespread testing before February 8 so as to identify safe areas for Lunar New Year celebrations.

Quang Ninh province has recorded 46 local infections of COVID-19 in the latest outbreak since January 27.

In the Central Highlands province of Gia Lai, 4,134 samples had been taken for testing as of 5pm on February 5. They include 18 positive for the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 and 3,270 others negative while the remaining 846 are still waiting for testing results.

Nguyen Thi Thanh Lich, Vice Chairwoman of the provincial People’s Committee and deputy head of the Gia Lai steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control, said efforts have been boosted on February 6 to collect samples from all residents in Ayun Pa township and Ia Pa district, two hotbeds in Gia Lai, in order to contain the outbreak as soon as possible.

In the northwestern province of Dien Bien, which has registered three locally-infected cases, the healthcare centre of Dien Bien Phu city has been chosen to become a temporary hospital for COVID-19 treatment.

Dao Xuan Co, Deputy Director of the Hanoi-based Bach Mai Hospital, told local authorities at a meeting on February 6 that his hospital has sent personnel and equipment to support the newly designated establishment.

A delegation from the Hanoi-based National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology also came to Dien Bien on February 6 to help the province improve testing capacity.

As of February 6 morning, Vietnam had reported 1,976 cases of COVID-19. They include 1,087 cases of community transmission, with 394 posted since January 27, when the new outbreak started.

As many as 1,465 patients have recovered while the number of related deaths stays unchanged, at 35, according to the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control./.

Sick Philippine sailor brought ashore for treatment in Khanh Hoa

Vietnamese rescue ship SAR27-01 arrived at Nha Trang Port in the south central province of Khanh Hoa on February 6 noon, safely bringing ashore a Philippine sailor who had fallen ill aboard a Greece-registered vessel.

According to the Vietnam Maritime Search and Rescue Coordination Centre (Vietnam MRCC), Sil Verio Rosal, a 40-year-old mechanic, was on board the bulk carrier Antonis Angelicoussis en route from Singapore to China when he suddenly suffered bowel obstruction a day earlier.

Vietnam MRCC received a request for medical assistance from the captain when the ship was navigating through waters about 235 km southeast of Nha Trang. The centre then maintained close contact with the ship to update about the sailor’s health and instruct how to provide first aid for him.

However, as his health rapidly deteriorated, the SAR27-01 was dispatched for the rescue mission. Once ashore, the man was immediately taken to the Khanh Hoa provincial General Hospital for emergency care.

Vietnam MRCC has strictly complied with preventive rules against the COVID-19 pandemic during the rescue operation./.

PM extends Tet wishes to former Party, State leaders, presents gifts to needy families in central region

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc extended the best Tet wishes to former Party and State leaders and localities in the central region at an meeting in Da Nang city on February 6.

The PM briefed the participants of the outcomes of the recently-concluded 13th National Party Congress, including the adoption of documents with high consensus, the election of the 13th-tenure Party Central Committee with 180 full and 20 alternate members, a 18-member Politburo and five members to the Secretariat.

He highlighted the country’s socio-economic attainments in the past year, while asking local authorities to pay more attention to ensuring the life of people in areas affected natural disasters as the Lunar New Year, the country’s biggest festival, is approaching.

He underlined to ensure Tet to all families as well as safety in the face of COVID-19.

Earlier the day, the PM visited and presented Tet gifts to policy beneficiary families and households in difficult circumstances in Que Phu commune, Que Son district, neighbouring Quang Nam province.

In 2020, Quang Nam was one of localities hard hit by the pandemic and natural disasters that left tens of dead and missing
.
The PM, on behalf of the Party, State and the Vietnam Fatherland Front Central Committee, presented Tet gifts to 50 policy families and disadvantaged households in Que Phu commune.

Besides, he asked the province to hand over 400 Tet gift packages to needy households and those affected by natural disasters.

Local authorities and people must strictly comply with COVID-19 prevention and control measures, he said./.

Int’l bodies to supply COVAX vaccines to Vietnam

International organisations are considering supplying COVID-19 vaccines under the COVAX programme to Vietnam to help combat the coronavirus.

The Chief Representatives of the UN Development Programme (UNDP), the UN Children Fund (UNICEF), and the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Vietnam made the statement at a working session with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam in Hanoi on February 5.

They informed Dam of a COVID-19 vaccine delivery under the WHO-initiated COVAX programme, and said the UN Secretary General and the WHO Director General Vietnam are keen to supply COVID-19 vaccines to poor, developing countries and Vietnam is among the priority recipients.

COVAX is co-led by Gavi, the Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and WHO. Its aim is to accelerate the development and manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines, and to guarantee fair and equitable access for every country in the world.

They said COVAX will provide free of charge a certain quantity of vaccines for poor countries, while the host government will fund the vaccination.

Deputy PM Dam thanked the international organisations for support and said the vaccines will be effectively used in Vietnam.

The chief representatives of international organisations spoke highly Vietnam’s successful control of the COVID-19 pandemic last year as well as its efforts to combat the fresh outbreak at present.

Currently, the chief representatives of the UNDP, UNICEF and WHO are working closely with the Ministry of Health to work out an injection plan as required by COVAX. First doses of WHO-initiated vaccine programme are expected to reach Vietnam in the first quarter of 2021 if conditions allow.

Vietnam has recorded nearly 400 coronavirus cases since the virus recurred in late January 2021. The fresh outbreak has been reported in 12 cities and provinces, with Hai Duong and Quang Ninh being the country’s biggest coronavirus hotspots.

With the government’s drastic measures in place, the fresh outbreak has basically been brought under control in Hai Duong and Quang Ninh.

Four Vietnamese firms are researching and developing vaccines against COVID-19. Two of them are carrying out clinical trials of their vaccines, Nano Covax and Covivac. The locally-made vaccines are due to be commercially marketed later this year.

Vietnam has recently signed an agreement with UK-based vaccine manufacturer AstraZeneca, with the first batch of AstraZeneca vaccines expected to arrive in Vietnam in either late February or early March. Approximately 30 million doses of AstraZeneca vaccine are anticipated to reach Vietnamese people by this June. 

Hanoi starts social distancing at restaurants, halts festivals

Chairman of Hà Nội People's Committee Chu Ngọc Anh has requested districts and agencies to implement drastic measures, including halting all festivals, to fight the spread of COVID-19.

In an instruction sent to leaders of districts and agencies in the city, the chairman said all non-necessary festivals, religious ceremonies, sports tournaments and events which attract large crowds of people in public should be stopped from February 3.

They were asked not to organise year-end parties as well as those at the beginning of the Lunar New Year while activities like weddings or funerals should be held in a civilised manner, minimising the concentration of large groups and strictly follow pandemic prevention measures.

Hà Nội authorities ordered the closure of bars, karaoke parlours, online gaming and internet cafes until further notice, the instruction said.

For establishments in other services, they must ensure COVID-19 prevention and control measures in accordance with the regulations including providing protective equipment for their staff, measuring customers’ temperatures, providing hand sanitiser and keeping a safe distance.

Restaurants and cafes pose a high risk of infection, so it is necessary to arrange seats at least two metres from one another or allowing customers to sit at least a metre a part with partitions. Offering a takeaway service is encouraged.

The chairman of Hà Nội People's Committee also asked districts and agencies to call on residents not to go out unless absolutely necessary and comply with regulations on COVID-19 prevention. Accordingly, they are supposed to wear masks, frequently wash their hands with soap or sanitiser, and provide health declarations. If they have symptoms such as a cough, fever or difficulty breathing, they should immediately go to medical facilities for guidance, examination and treatment.

During the Lunar New Year holiday which falls in mid-February, Hà Nội authorities advocates restrictions on movement.

Passengers and drivers of public transport must follow prevention measures. A list of passengers should be compiled with full name, address and phone number for interprovincial transportation while ensuring a safe distance for passengers.

The instruction requested agencies to strictly observe the direction of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in the spirit of “fighting the pandemic like fighting the enemy”. They were asked to be vigilant and implement measures to detect the source of transmission, promptly quarantine and thoroughly stamp out the pandemic.

Heads of agencies, organisations and units were directed not to hold meetings with large crowds when it is not necessary. Online meetings and the use of technology were encouraged.

Events that serve political and socio-economic purposes will be held when they are really necessary and must follow requirements on pandemic prevention. 

Expanding testing

In another move, Hà Nội will expand COVID-19 testing for F2 cases and those in quarantine and high-risk areas to prevent the spread of the pandemic, said Vice Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Chu Xuân Dũng. 

During a meeting of the municipal Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control on Wednesday, Dũng suggested localities and units continue tracing and testing not only F1 but also F2 and F3 cases. 

A total of 46 new community COVID-19 infections were reported in Việt Nam on Thursday, bringing the national patient tally to 1,957. 

Forum looks to reduce energy consumption in transport

Experts gathered at a forum in Hanoi on February 5 to discuss measures to reduce energy consumption in the transport system towards effective use of energy for economic development in the sector.

Attributing traffic congestion and exhaust emissions from old and ragged vehicles to bad air quality that threatens local health, Associate Professor Nguyen Hong Thai, vice chairman of the Vietnam union of railway transport, suggested the transport sector integrate reduction of greenhouse gas emission into transport planning and investment projects.

It is necessary to raise public awareness of measures to cut greenhouse gas emissions such as using biofuels, and limiting personal vehicles with a view to building a green public transport system, he said.

According to deputy head of the Environment Department under the Ministry of Transport Nguyen Huu Tien, development of energy-saving transportation has been integrated in the sector’s development policies.

“In the past time, the sector has paid due heed to branching out energy-saving means of transportation, while issuing regulations on stamping fuel efficiency labels to nine-seat cars and motorbikes “, he said, adding the ministry also worked with the Ministry of Science and Technology to set up and issue Vietnamese standards on fuel consumption limit for cars and motorbikes.

Tien said in the coming time, priority should be given to developing bulk carriers which are energy saving such as railway and waterway towards establishing multi-mode freight transport firms.

The transport sector should continue to outline standards on fuel consumption or several vehicles, and pen policies and a roadmap to switch the use of fossil-fuelled vehicles to those that use renewable energy, contributing to ensuring energy security and protecting the environment, he stressed.

Source: VNA/VNN/VNS/SGGP/VOV/NDO/Dtinews/SGT/VIR