Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc

The telegram sent to ministries, ministerial-level agencies, and provincial People's Committees stated that as the COVID-19 is ravaging the world, Vietnam must strictly implement the prevention measures, strengthen inspection and strictly handle violations of regulations on epidemic prevention and control, especially the case of patient No. 1440 in Vinh Long. The Prime Minister called on all Vietnamese people to show their sense of responsibility and follow the Ministry of Health’s recommendations to welcome a happy, healthy, and safe Lunar New Year holiday.

Patient 1440 last Thursday illegally crossed the border in Vietnam’s southern province of Tay Ninh and then got on a truck to Ho Chi Minh city, before taking a bus to his mother’s house in Vinh Long. Throughout his journey, he had made contact with several people. His family reported him to local authorities, before he was brought to a quarantine center and tested positive for COVID-19.