The number of people tested positive for Covid-19 in Vietnam hit 4,500 as of May 18, including 2,687 patients have recovered and 37 deaths.

A national consultation meeting for treatment of critical cases on May 18. Photo: Suckhoedoisong

More than 100,000 people are in quarantine at hospitals, centralized zones, homea and lodging facilities.

On May 18, the country confirmed 152 cases, including 96 from Bac Giang hotspot.

The Ministry of Health (MoH) reported 20 patients of critical condition. A national consultation meeting was held online to find the best treatment for them who infected with Indian variant’s sublineage B.1.617.2.

Bac Giang remains the hotspot that draws the attention of government members, including Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long who came to check the situation there. The widespread transmission has forced the province to suspend four industrial parks where 504 companies are located in.

Meanwhile, Bac Ninh, where is home to Samsung Electronics Vietnam (SEV), put on lockdown a city of 220,000 residents and a district which accommodates Canon Vietnam Co., Ltd to prevent the spread of the pandemic.

Regarding vaccine, MoH reached a deal to buy 31 million Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 Vaccine doses that are expected to be delivered in the third and fourth quarters this year.

Covid-19 infections in Vietnam between April 29 and May 18. Source: MOH. Chart: Minh Vu