Six local residents of Ho Chi Minh City have tested negative for the SARS-CoV-2 virus after having close contact with a COVID-19 patient announced by the Ministry of Health on January 28. 

The six who came into contact with the COVID-19 patient of Quang Ninh province have been isolated for COVID-19 testing, and they have all tested negative, said a representative from the HCM City Centre for Diseases Control (HCDC), at an urgent meeting on January 28.

Nguyen Tan Binh, director of the Municipal Department of Health, said the municipal medical sector remains highly vigilant and all medical taskforces are put on standby.

“Local people should keep calm and fully observe the Ministry of Health’s recommendations,” said Binh. “The HCDC will keep local residents updated about the developments of the fresh outbreak in the country as well as latest recommendations from relevant agencies.”

A staff member working for Van Don International Airport in Quang Ninh province, northern Vietnam, has tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus, the Ministry of Health said on January 28.

A further 10 patients, all in Quang Ninh, have been confirmed, and they are all linked to the airport staff.

Authorities are identifying those who had contact with the patient. Six have been found in HCM City.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Health also announced another COVID-19 case in Hai Duong province the same morning.

The female worker of Poyun Electronics Co. Ltd. tested positive after coming into contact with another woman of the same locality who was later confirmed as a COVID-19 patient in Japan.

At least 73 people who had contact with the patient have tested positive, the Ministry of Health said in its 12.00hrs update.