The northern province of Hai Duong, 57km away from Hanoi, has decided to impose social distancing on Hai Duong City after a community case was confirmed but the source of infection was still unknown.

Medical workers have disinfected part of Ngo Quyen street where a COVID-19 patient was confirmed by the Ministry of Health.  

The order is due to take effect as of 24.00hrs August 14 and last until further notice, the provincial government announced after an urgent meeting late August 13.

Local authorities raised concerns about a possible coronavirus outbreak at a restaurant on Ngo Quyen Street, where the COVID-19 patient worked. Relevant agencies locked down part of Ngo Quyen street to prevent the possible spread of the virus in the community.

The provincial health sector sent 8 specimens of those who had contact with the patient (F1) to the National Institute of Hygiene Epidemiology, with three of them coming back positive. All three suspected cases had an epidemiological history closely linked to the restaurant.

Luong Van Cau, Vice Chairman of the Hai Duong Provincial People’s Committee, noted the situation has become complicated after the SARS-CoV-2 virus recurred in the community while epidemiologists were still searching for patient zero.

He requested local relevant agencies enhance communications and encourage people to strictly abide by regulations on epidemic prevention.

The province will localize, review and make a list of F1 and F2 cases of suspected cases to promptly quarantine them for medical surveillance, Cau said.

The same day, Hai Duong decided to suspend services such as restaurants, bars, coffee shops, karaoke venues, fitness clubs, massage palours and cinemas. Local people are required to wear masks in public places. These measures take effect at midnight August 14.