Hanoi hospital becomes latest COVID-19 hotspot in Vietnam

The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi has become the nation’s latest coronavirus hotspot following the detection of an additional 14 cases on May 5.

The Ministry of Health has tested 400 medical staff, patients, and their family members, with 14 tests coming back positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, unveiled Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen during an urgent meeting with the Hanoi administration.

Among the 14 positive cases were two doctors, eight patients, and four relatives of the patients.

The remaining samples are currently being tested and the results are expected to be announced over the coming hours, added Deputy Minister Tuyen.

After one of its doctors was diagnosed with the virus on May 4, the hospital moved to close its door to visitors from May 5. It has put more than 800 healthcare workers, patients, and their relatives into quarantine in order to undergo a period of medical surveillance and testing.

Despite the management stating that the source of infection originated from the hospital, Deputy Minister Tuyen proposed that the capital’s administration direct relevant agencies to continue conducting epidemiological investigations into related cases.