Buzz
The U.S. government continues its efforts to dispatch vaccine doses to various countries. However, a tweet from the U.S. embassy's Twitter account mistakenly claims that the country sent 80 vaccine doses to Trinidad & Tobago, raising suspicions of a typographical error or some other reason. China promptly responded with a sarcastic comment, suggesting that the reported number of doses is only sufficient for a nursing home rather than an entire nation.
Several provinces express their desire to procure vaccines for their citizens. However, they are currently facing challenges regarding the supply source and the procurement deployment mechanism. Today marks the first time since the onset of the pandemic that the number of new cases in Vietnam has exceeded 500 in a single day.
Numerous regions have voiced their aspirations to purchase vaccines for widespread inoculation. Nevertheless, they are currently grappling with issues related to both the supply chain and the implementation framework for procurement. Today also marks the initial instance since the commencement of the outbreak where the recorded cases in Vietnam have surpassed 500 within a 24-hour period.
The Situation in Vietnam
- This morning, we witnessed an additional 159 new cases, with 01 case immediately placed in isolation upon entry in Khanh Hoa. Among these, 158 cases were recorded domestically in Bac Giang (87), Ho Chi Minh City (45), Tien Giang (11), Binh Duong (7), Bac Ninh (6), Lang Son (1), Ha Tinh (1); of which, 156 cases were detected in quarantine areas or areas that have been sealed off.
- This afternoon, there are additional 220 new cases, with 08 cases immediately isolated upon entry in Hanoi (4), Quang Nam (2), Kien Giang (1), Hoa Binh (1). 212 cases recorded domestically in Bac Giang (178), Ho Chi Minh City (30), Tien Giang (2), Ha Tinh (1), Nghe An (1); of which 208 cases were detected in quarantine areas or sealed-off areas.
- Tonight, records show 136 new cases, with 03 cases immediately isolated upon entry in Tay Ninh. 133 cases recorded domestically in Bac Giang (62), Ho Chi Minh City (62), Bac Ninh (6), Ha Tinh (2), Lang Son (1); of which 131 cases were detected in quarantine areas or sealed-off areas.
- Noi Bai International Airport will implement separate lanes and conduct random testing for individuals flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Hanoi.
- Ho Chi Minh City will convert Trung Vuong Hospital into a dedicated facility for treating Covid patients with underlying conditions, equipped with a capacity of 1 thousand beds.
- Warning from Ho Chi Minh City: Out of the 14 new cases today, 4 were detected positive for the virus after undergoing 4 rounds of new tests.
- The People's Committee of District 7, Ho Chi Minh City, had to suspend operations today to implement preventive measures after an employee here tested positive for the virus.
- In Thủ Đức City, authorities uncovered an underground gaming den that brazenly defied closure orders during the pandemic. The 42 gamers and owner were slapped with a fine of 82 million dong for this violation.
- The Ministry of Health is urgently dispatching 800 thousand doses of new vaccines to Ho Chi Minh City to bolster the ongoing vaccination drive against the pandemic.
The government has granted permission for VNVC to procure the COVID-19 vaccine through a special bidding mechanism while acquiring AstraZeneca medication.
Vietnam reports providing treatment to a United Nations staff member diagnosed with covid in the region, following a request for assistance from the organization.
- The Nha Trang Vaccine and Bioproducts Institute will collaborate with Cuba to receive technology transfer and produce the Abdala vaccine. (source)
- The plan is to vaccinate 90% of the population in Phu Quoc to establish community immunity and attract tourists back to this island paradise.
- Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air are currently experimenting with the IATA Travel Pass application. This type of vaccine passport is also being tested by over 30 airlines worldwide.
Global Situation
Moderna announced that the U.S. government has placed an additional order for 200 million doses of its vaccine. Additionally, there is a provision to purchase other types of vaccines currently under development by the company. With this new order, the total number of doses the U.S. has acquired from Moderna has reached 500 million.
The spokesperson for the European Commission almost certainly states that Johnson & Johnson will likely be unable to supply the promised 55 million doses of the vaccine to the continent. This comes after 17 million doses were previously banned due to safety concerns surrounding the vaccine.
Domestic tourists have returned to tourist spots in India
- The recent outbreak in South China (specifically Guangzhou), coupled with the reopening of many economies, may lead to shortages of raw materials and goods globally. This is because when Guangzhou is sealed off, the super-sized seaport here also ceases operations, causing the shipping cost for a container from Shanghai to Rotterdam to skyrocket to $10,522, three times higher than last year's price.
- Malaysia's Foreign Minister announced that China has agreed to donate 500 thousand doses of Sinovac vaccine to expedite the country's vaccination campaign.
- The Prime Minister of Thailand had to address the public on television to apologize for the delayed vaccination campaign and the ongoing struggle to control the virus spread. He also mentioned that Thailand will reopen to tourists in approximately 120 days, ensuring that the vaccine has been administered sufficiently to the tourism industry workforce.
Singapore may need to postpone the easing of pandemic measures next Monday as a new outbreak cluster has been detected.
North Korea's leader warns the country could face food shortages in the coming time due to natural disasters. He urges citizens to mentally prepare and tighten additional measures against the pandemic.
Japan is considering allowing a maximum of 10,000 spectators or up to 50% of the stadium seats to cheer at each upcoming Olympic event.
In a recent survey in Canada, 14% of respondents expressed no interest in getting vaccinated, while another 20% stated they would claim to be vaccinated when asked while traveling or attending large public events.
Residents in Togo express the challenges they face due to the strict COVID-19 measures imposed by the government. Despite the low number of cases and deaths in this African nation, the impact of the measures is making daily life difficult, even surpassing the annual fatalities caused by malaria.
Humanitarian organizations raise concerns about over 200,000 refugees in the hardest-hit areas of India, lacking access to basic healthcare services during the pandemic. This vulnerable group faces an increased risk of COVID-19 infection, emphasizing the urgent need for medical support.
