The 22-year-old man was fined after authorities deemed his behavior "dangerous" and to set an example for others, Hoang Cong Bo, chairman of the Hiep Hoa District People's Committee, said Monday.

On June 3 the man escaped from a field hospital in the district to buy foods at a local convenience store. He stayed there for five minutes but was wearing a mask and stayed a meter away from the cashier. He paid through a bank account before returning to the hospital.

His action sent three people into quarantine, caused 12 to self-isolate at home and closed down shops and restaurants around the hospital.

Authorities have since installed barbed wire and cameras around the hospital.

The man has recovered from Covid, and everyone who came into contact with him during his breakout have tested negative for the coronavirus, Bo said.

Bac Giang remains the country’s hotspot during the latest Covid wave, recording 5,466 out of the total of 10,258 cases so far.

Several areas in the province have mandated social distancing and shut down karaoke parlors, bars, gyms, and other non-essential businesses.