As many as 145 hotels across the country have registered to become quarantine areas for people returning from the novel coronavirus hit areas, according to the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.

The registered hotels with quality ratings from 2 to 5 stars are mainly located in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Da Nang, Quang Ninh and Dong Nai provinces. 

A luxury hotel in Da Nang has been used to receive people from epidemic-hit areas

They commit to serving no other purposes than receiving quarantined people and ensuring essential living conditions, including electricity, water and sanitation.

All the hotels are required to have checkpoints, with security guards on duty around the clock. Vehicles are all disinfected to avoid virus infection.

Hotel staff will train to handle the work. People placed in quarantine must wear face masks and limit contact with others.

Those who want to stay in these hotels will pay for rooms and essential services that are made public.

As of March 22 evening, Vietnam has confirmed 113 COVID-19 cases in 16 cities and provinces across the country. Most of the cases came from Europe and the US.

Of the total, 17 have fully recovered and been discharged from hospital. The remaining 96 patients are receiving treatment at hospitals, with some cases showing signs of health deterioration.