Buzz
This morning, news of numerous attendees at a religious gathering in Ho Chi Minh City testing positive for the virus has alarmed many as the individuals involved are scattered across 15 districts and suburbs of the city. Currently, anti-epidemic forces have been mobilized to collect samples for testing from over 400 cases with close contact to the infected. The city authorities have also identified the possibility of implementing social distancing measures in high-risk areas if necessary. Initial investigations suggest that the spread of this cluster may have occurred through 2 to 3 cycles, with a significant number of people having close contact across the area. In the coming days, new cases are expected to emerge. Hopefully, we will not witness a recurrence of a scenario similar to the early days of the outbreak in South Korea, where thousands were infected while participating in religious activities.
Situation in Vietnam
Yesterday afternoon, the Minister of Health instructed 125 medical schools nationwide to prepare over 20,000 personnel for the upcoming rotation to combat the outbreak in Bac Giang.
Early this morning, Vietnam recorded 01 case of immediate isolation upon entry in Hanoi, with 24 cases reported domestically in Bac Giang (23) and Lang Son (1).
This noon, we have an additional 53 cases reported domestically in Bac Ninh (30), Bac Giang (21), Dien Bien (1), Hai Duong (1).
- In the evening, there are 152 new cases, including 2 cases isolated immediately upon entry in Soc Trang; 150 cases recorded domestically in Bac Giang (84), Bac Ninh (22), Hanoi (7), Da Nang (1), Ho Chi Minh City (36).
- This morning, the treatment subcommittee reported an additional death, a 81-year-old patient. The cause of death is septic shock, pneumonia due to SARS-CoV-2 infection, progressive respiratory failure, and bloodstream infection in the elderly patient.
- Bac Giang has a case of F1 resisting centralized isolation at home. The authorities had to use an elevator to forcibly enter and enforce isolation measures.
- The CDC in Bac Giang proudly announces the completion of a state-of-the-art Covid-19 testing system with a capacity of 50 thousand samples per day, making it the largest testing facility in Vietnam. This afternoon, the province also commenced the vaccination drive for industrial workers at Dinh Tram Industrial Zone.
- Hải Phòng has deployed 83 lecturers and students from the medical university to support Bac Giang.
- Hà Nam apprehended an F1 case who twice escaped quarantine and isolation. The individual, located in Nam Po district, a sealed-off area, attempted to flee to Hanoi on a passenger bus. Discovered en route, she was brought back to isolation but managed to escape again, returning to Hà Nam.
Thái Bình reports a case of re-positive with the virus. This individual, recently recognized as recovered, tested positive again at home during self-isolation. The person has been brought back to the hospital for further treatment.
Da Nang will impose fines ranging from 1 to 3 million VND for violations of epidemic prevention regulations.
Ho Chi Minh City today records 36 new cases linked to a religious organization, spread across 15 districts. Necessary areas have been sealed off, and according to the assessment by the CDC Ho Chi Minh City, the situation is under control. It is speculated that this outbreak may have gone through 2 infection cycles, and there might be more new cases discovered in the coming time.
Starting from midnight on May 28, the Ho Chi Minh City government decides to temporarily suspend all hairdressing and shampooing activities, religious gatherings, and sidewalk food stalls. Only take-away services are allowed, and sitting to eat is prohibited. Eight districts with individuals related to the religious group will undergo extensive testing. Senior high school students will also have to switch to online learning from tomorrow.
In Lam Dong, restaurants and cafes are allowed to resume normal operations. Other sports and physical activities are also back in action.
The Ministry of Transport proposes a temporary halt to flights bringing people back to the country, with no landings in Ho Chi Minh City. The city will focus on containing the new outbreak.
- The education departments of Bac Ninh and Bac Giang are proposing to conduct two rounds of high school graduation exams for students in these two provinces. The schedule will depend on the local COVID-19 situation.
- Hanoi Medical University and the Traditional Medicine Academy of Vietnam have dispatched over 100 lecturers and students to support Bac Ninh and Bac Giang in their fight against the pandemic.
World Update
The European Commission urges the court to compel AstraZeneca to deliver additional millions of vaccine doses as per the original agreement. Failure to do so will result in a penalty of at least 10 million Euros for each delayed shipment. They estimate having contracts with all 27 EU member states.
A whistleblower protection organization calls on WHO to investigate the case of an Italian researcher who faced pressure to falsify COVID-19 data in the country. The researcher was victimized for reporting this to higher-ups within the WHO organization.
EMA is set to approve the use of the Pfizer vaccine for the age group of 12 to 15 in Europe. Previously, the FDA had already given the green light for vaccination in this age group.
Nga initiates COVID-19 vaccination for animals
Brazil accuses government of poor pandemic response, summons 4 former health ministers for comparison
- Brazilian lawmakers are conducting an inquiry into the government's pandemic response, urging former and current health ministers along with 9 provincial leaders to testify in court. This marks the strongest move against President Bolsonaro to date.
- Tomorrow, Mexico is set to receive over 2.2 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine through the Covax program, following the scheduled plan.
- Tunisia is placing its hopes on tourists from Russia and Northern European countries to revive its tourism sector after the pandemic. They opened their borders to visitors at the end of April but are now selectively sealing off certain areas to combat the spread of the virus.
- The President of Zambia has prohibited large gatherings for election campaigns, citing the increased risk of virus transmission in crowded events. The opposition protests, claiming that he is exploiting the pandemic to hinder other parties from gaining sufficient support.In the capital city of Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, many still place their faith in divine protection rather than focusing on pandemic prevention measures. A significant number resist vaccination, even when offered for free. The latest data from the city reveals only 11 thousand people have received the vaccine, with just over 14 thousand nationwide.Today, the newly crowned Miss Universe took a proactive step by getting vaccinated, urging fellow citizens to join the immunization campaign.Source: CNN, WHO, suckhoedoisong, JHU, Tuổi trẻ, NCOV, chinhphu.vn
