JUNE 16: Vietnam successfully treats a UN official with coronavirus

Vietnamese doctors have successfully treated a UN official who infected Covid-19, making it the first time Vietnam gives treatment to a coronavirus patient under the UN Medical Evacuation (MEDEVAC).

The official was sent to Vietnam on a private airplane and then left Vietnam on June 15 for work in a regional country, according to Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

UN representatives, including Atul Khare, Under Secretary-General, UN Department of Operational Support, have sent his thank to Vietnam for the treatment.

Vietnam's Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long at the meeting with his Cuban counterpart on June 16. Photo: Tran Minh

Vietnam on June 16 confirmed 423 people infected with Covid-19, the second highest-ever daily cases after 444 on May 25.

The newest infections bring the total caseload to 11,635, including 4,590 convalescents. The number of coronavirus-caused deaths is 61.

So far, the northern province of Bac Giang has topped localities for the number of infections with 4,488, followed by Bac Ninh 1,442. Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) ranked third with 1,060.

Notably, two-thirds of the infections were confirmed in the fresh outbreak that flared up in late April.

As of June 16, Covid-19 has swept 40 out of cities and provinces. However, 35 cities and provinces have recorded no infections for two weeks and more.

Bac Giang and Bac Ninh continue reporting new cases in industrial parks but among centralized quarantine.

Cuban homegrown Covid-19 vaccine Abdala. Photo: AFP/VNA

HCMC is facing a complicated Covid-19 situation with some unknown community transmission sources. Seriously, the infection has been found among health workers of five hospitals, including the HCMC Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the leading facility treating Covid-19 patients.

Deputy Health Minister Nguyen Truong Son, who now leads the Health Minister’s Standing Task Force in the southern economic hub, said the city is racing against time to detect community transmission sources in the extended two-week social distancing period that started on June 15.

Meanwhile, Hanoi considers relaxing some essential services as it has brought the pandemic under control. Only a few infections have been found in the city over the last few days.

On June 16, Cuba said it’s willing to supply Abdala Covid-19 Vaccine and transfer technology to Vietnam if the country has demand for it.

The information was shared at the virtual meeting held on June 16 between Vietnamese Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long and Cuban Health Minister José Angel Portal Miranda.

The Cuban minister said Cuba will increase its production capacity to serve Vietnam’s demand.

Nguyen Thanh Long absolutely supported the plan, saying that the Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC) or Pasteur Nha Trang will be in charge of the cooperation.

Vietnam's Covid-19 cases. Source: MoH. Chart: Minh Vu