HCMC – Among the 82 news domestic Covid-19 cases that the Ministry of Health reported tonight, May 31, 43 cases were confirmed in Bac Giang and 34 other were found in Bac Ninh.
In addition, three other locally-infected cases were detected in Binh Duong and one each in Hanoi and Tra Vinh.
Further, two imported cases were reported in Quang Nam and one in Tay Ninh.
The HCMC Center for Disease Control today also reported seven suspected Covid-19 cases in Ward 15, Binh Thanh District.
They attended a birthday party of a Covid-19 patient, who was linked to the Revival Ekklesia Mission, at a Trung Nguyen coffee shop at 104 Pho Quang Street in Tan Binh District on May 24. The seven cases have yet to be confirmed by the Ministry of Health.
The competent agencies have taken samples from those in close contact with them for testing.
Thus, the pandemic outbreak linked to the Revival Ekklesia Mission has had 149 patients and seven suspected cases.
In related news, the Ministry of Health has ordered all smartphone users to install Bluezone, a Covid-19 tracing app, and turn Bluetooth in public places to activate the app. Otherwise, they might be fined.
Owners of smartphones should also install and use health declaration apps.
The punishment of those having smartphones but failing to install and use these apps will be imposed based on the developments of the pandemic and conditions of localities.
The Ministry of Health has coordinated with the Ministry of Information and Communications to collect health declarations.
As for Covid-19 vaccines, Deputy Minister of Health Do Xuan Tuyen today said that Nanocovax, the first Covid-19 vaccine made in Vietnam, might be licensed for emergency use during the third phase of its clinical trial.
The vaccine will be licensed after the ministry asks for the approval of the Government and the vaccine is approved by the national research ethics committee.
According to Professor Dr Truong Viet Dung, head of the committee, it would take around two months to have enough scientific foundations for the licensing and use of Nanocovax.
The third phase of the trial of Nanocovax, produced by Nanogen Pharmaceutical Biotechnology JSC, was planned to start in June and expected to be completed in late September. The vaccine will be injected for 13,000 volunteers in the third phase.
