Among a total of 10,100 samples taken from locals in Ha Loi village of Me Linh commune in Hanoi, as many as 8,095 samples have come back negative for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

Residents in Ha Loi village queue at a safe distance from one another
as they have their samples taken. (Photo: Vnexpress)

At present, medical professionals are waiting on the results of the remaining 2,090 tests, according to Nguyen Nhat Cam, director of the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC).

Along with the samples taken from locals in Ha Loi village, all 1,834 samples from residents of the adjacent Lieu Tri village have come back negative for the virus.

With the outbreak area in Ha Loi village under control, there has been no indication that the COVID-19 has spread to neighbouring villages, Cam noted, adding that the centre is ready to receive samples for the entire day from districts in Hanoi in order to put them through a quick test.

At present authorities in Hanoi have found 999 people residing in 18 different districts across the capital have links to Me Linh village,  with each of these individuals currently being isolated at home.

It is anticipated that in the near future the Hanoi CDC will monitor cases of people showing symptoms of the common cold such as a cough, a fever, or a sore throat at healthcare centres.

As of the morning of April 16, there have been a total of 268 COVID-19 cases recorded nationwide, including 171 patients who have subsequently gone on to make a full recovery.

The capital has seen the highest number of coronavirus cases across the country, with 129 cases, including 76 cases of full recovery.

Ha Loi village in Me Linh district of Hanoi is home to 10,080 people and has been in lockdown since April 7, with the village subsequently confirming the discovery of 13 positive COVID-19 cases.