On May 5, another 11 Covid-19 patients in Vietnam recovered, marking the largest number of convalescent in a single day since April 21.

Joy of both patients and medical workers after two British patients recover. Photo: Baotainguyenmoitruong

The number of convalescents has now totaled 232, accounting for 86% of the total infections, according to the Ministry of Health.

On the day, two relapsed patients tested negative for the virus for four times.

Of the total 271 infected cases, 131 were imported and 140 were found in the community.

The latest case, patient No. 271 is a British expert who works for Vietnam Oil and Gas Group (PetroVietnam). He were confirmed to be positive with the virus on May 3 after arriving in Vietnam.

According to the Ministry of Health, about 1,600 skilled workers will enter Vietnam to work inland and offshore in the coming time. Authorized agencies have been asked to have detail plans for the next entrants.

Number of new infections and convalescents from April 22 to May 5. Source: Ministry of Health

As of May 5, the number of people under quarantine was 25,625, including 246 at hospitals, 6,165 at concentrated centers, and 19,214 at home and lodging facilities.

In a related move, Vietnam has tested a Covid-19 vaccine on mice.

The Covid-19 vaccine was developed after scientists successfully generated the novel coronavirus antigen in the lab, said Dr. Do Tuan Dat, chairman of the Hanoi-based Company for Vaccine and Biological Production No.1 (VABIOTECH). Antigen units are the most important ingredient in vaccine production, helping the body process antigens.

Dat said the vaccine will be tested further on animals and evaluated for safety and effectiveness before a manufacturing process is embarked on.

The vaccine has been developed by collaborating scientists at VABIOTECH and the U.K.’s Bristol University, VnExpress reported.