Close to 15,000 new COVID-19 cases detected, Hanoi takes the most

A total of 14,977 new infections of COVID-19 across 61 localities nationwide were recorded on December 20, with Hanoi capital continuing to post the highest number of infections at 1,612, according to the Ministry of Health.

Among the latest cases, 9,000 were detected in the community.

The three other localities reporting the high number of infections behind Hanoi include Ben tre with 985, Ca Mau with 96, and Tay Ninh with 947.

At present, the country has so far documented 1,555,455 COVID-19 infections.
During the past 24 hours the nation recorded 225 fatalities from the disease, thereby bringing death toll up to 29,791.

The same day saw the Ministry of Health report the discharge of a further 1,937 patients, bringing the total number of recoveries up to 1,109,899.

Over 139.45 million COVID-19 vaccines have now been administered nationwide as of the end of December 19, with 62.2 million people being fully vaccinated and nearly 1.3 million receiving their booster shots.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health has proposed that all non-essential activities, entertainment, and festive activities in localities that are at high risk of a COVID-19 resurgence be suspended during the upcoming Tet holidays, known internationally as the Lunar New Year.

The Ministry has sent an official document to the Government regarding strengthening anti-pandemic measures during the country’s Lunar New Year period.

In the document, the Ministry said many localities continue to record a large number of COVID-19 cases within the local community, especially in localities with high population density, high rates of trade, and travel activities.

Furthermore, the Omicron variant is spreading rapidly, with complicated and unpredictable developments occurring in many countries globally.

As a means of ensuring the effective prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ministry of Health has proposed the Government consider stopping unnecessary gatherings of crowds, entertainment activities, festivals, and religious activities in localities at risk of outbreaks during the Lunar New Year holiday.