Of the remainder, 48 entered quarantine on Monday, with all patients now in hospital, the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC) announced.

By Monday morning, Vietnam had 115 suspected cases in total, up 34 against Sunday, which was the biggest increase in a month following droves entering the country from areas hit by Covid-19.

As defined by the Ministry of Health, suspected infections include those who return from stricken areas or have had direct contact with returnees from stricken areas and show Covid-19 symptoms.

Those entering Vietnam from virus-hit areas are routinely checked at entry ports before being sent to medical camps for 14 day monitoring. Some people with low risks are quarantined at home.

Anyone showing signs of Covid-19 symptoms like coughing or fever will be placed in hospital quarantine. Once they have tested negative for the coronavirus, they will undergo additional monitoring at home or medical camp.

By Tuesday morning, no suspected infections were reported in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh and Da Nang, the three largest cities in the country.

Vietnam has not detected any new infections since February 13 after all 16 Covid-19 patients, including two Chinese nationals and one Vietnamese-American, were discharged from hospital after quarantine and treatment.

Around the world, the death toll has climbed to 3,119, with the coronavirus having spread to 76 countries and territories.

Most of the over 2,940 fatalities have occurred in China, followed by Iran with 66, Italy with 52 and South Korea with 28. The U.S. has reported six deaths and Japan 12, including six on a cruise ship.