The health of 13 patients suffering from the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has started to deteriorate, with 10 individuals being put on a ventilator, according to health authorities.

An isolation area at a treatment facility for COVID-19 patients 

Of the severe cases, a total of COVID-19 patients are being treated at Hue Central Hospital, four at Da Nang General Hospital, and one at Da Nang Lung Hospital.

The remaining three patients are currently receiving treatment at Quang Nam Central Hospital and Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

An additional 21 patients who are developing serious complications are given treatment at other medical facilities.

Luong Ngoc Khue, director  of the Administration of Medical Service, said leading doctors across the country have been mobilised to treat critical cases, the majority of which involve elderly people suffering from underlying health issues.

Online consultations are held regularly to strictly monitor the health of these patients, noted Prof. Dr. Khue.

The Ministry of Health has therefore requested that medical centres provide regular updates on the changing COVID-19 epidemic situation in order to timely detect all suspected cases, particularly those coming from the areas which have been heavily affected by the latest outbreak.

Hospitals have been asked to strictly implement the guiding documents issued by the Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Administration of Medical Service, while also taking a range of preventive measures to avoid cross infection at treatment facilities.

As of the morning of August 3, Vietnam has recorded 621 confirmed COVID-19 cases, with six fatalities being reported so far.