Health workers of the Hà Nội Centre for Disease Control take samples to test for SARS-CoV-2. — VNA/VNS Photo

For the fifteenth day straight, Việt Nam has reported no new COVID-19 cases of community transmission, the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control announced at 6pm on Friday.

Of the total 270 cases so far, 219 have recovered, 12 relapsed and there are still no deaths. Of the active cases, nine have tested negative once for SARS-CoV-2 and another seven have tested negative twice.

Over 47,000 people are in quarantine, including 272 in hospitals, over 12,000 at quarantine facilities and the rest at home.

Meanwhile, the Centre for Disease Control in HCM City announced on Friday 92 people related to patient 92, a relapsed patient, have tested negative.

After patient 92 tested positive again for the SARS-CoV-2 virus on April 29, the local authorities blocked Block B of 1A-1B Nguyễn Đình Chiểu Apartment where he lives, taking samples from 87 residents and five convenience store employees who had contact with the case.

By May 1, all 92 samples had tested negative. According to the Centers for Disease Control, this result demonstrates that patient 92 did not spread the virus to those around him. Based on that, people in the apartment block can continue as normal, but still have to monitor their health, wear masks, wash their hands frequently, and limit close contact with others.

In a related move, the Ministry of Health has sent an official document to local departments of health to ensure measures are in place for the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide.

Accordingly, local departments of health are required to instruct any businesses trading medicines to seriously implement guidance on response measures, which have been developed by the Ministry of Health. The departments will have to strengthen the supervision and inspection of the implementation of the guidance, strictly handle violations and promptly report to the Drug Administration of Việt Nam (DAV) as prescribed.

The guidance aims to ensure health and safety for workers working in the pharmaceutical sector, stabilise production and business activities and ensure adequate supply of medicines for medical examination and treatment facilities.