Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged fast contact tracing of those who came in contact with Covid-19 patient numbered 1,440 in order to prevent spread of the virus to communities.

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Patient numbered 1,400 is a 32-year-old man who illegally entered Viet Nam on December 24 and was confirmed positive for the virus on December 26.

The man is native of Nhon Phu Commune, Mang Thi District of the Mekong Delta province of Vinh Long.

The Government chief ordered ministries, agencies, and localities to raise the sense of responsibility in the fight against Covid-19, strictly implement preventive measures, tighten border control and strictly fine illegal entrants.

He also called on all Vietnamese people to seriously comply with disease prevention measures introduced by the Ministry of Health to ensure their safety as the Lunar New Year Festival come nears.

According to the Vinh Long Steering Committee for Covid-19 Response, patient 1,440 is being treated at the Vinh Long Hospital for Tuberculosis and Lung Diseases.

He is now in stable health conditions without such symptoms like cough and fever, the local Steering Committee said.

The local authorities have identified and tested 15 people who came in direct contact with the patient into quarantine. 

In addition, 122 others coming contact with the aforesaid people have also been identified and put under medical surveillance.