The number of people suspected of having SARS-CoV-2 in Vietnam decreases by nearly 1,000 to 3,736 as of April 4, according to the Vietnam Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC).

Vietnam is taking tough measures as the nationwide isolation enters the fourth day. Photo: VnExpress

Suspected cases are people who were in close contact with Covid-19 patients or those coming from epidemic-hit areas and having disease symptoms like coughing, fever, and shortness of breath.

As many as 73,000 people who made contact with infected cases and those from the high-risk areas are under mass quarantine, the highest number since the breakout of the epidemic, while 36,000 are under home isolation.

As of April 4, Vietnam reported 240 people infected with the novel coronavirus, including 90 who have fully recovered.

Hanoi remains the top for the number of Covid-19 patients with 107 cases (including 38 cured), followed by Ho Chi Minh City with 53 infected cases (including 22 cured).

So far, no death has been reported in the country although several patients have been in critical condition.

To serve the fight against the epidemic, the Ministry of Health has asked medical equipment producers nationwide to boost production and import to ensure supply for domestic use.

Vietnam has entered the fourth day of the two-week nationwide stay-at-home period which is called the "golden time" to curb the virus spread. Accordingly, a number of cities and provinces like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Haiphong, Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, and Quang Nam have taken swift action in response to the prime minister's request.