In Việt Nam at this time, people are called on to wear face masks in public places to prevent the spread of COVID-19. — VNA/VNS Photo Thành Đạt

HÀ NỘI — Four people, including one from the Czech Republic, tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 in Việt Nam on Saturday afternoon, bringing the total number of COVID-19 infection cases in the country to 53.

The 50th patient is a 50-year-old man from Hà Nội’s Ba Đình District. He reportedly returned from a business trip to Paris on March 9. Two days later, he had a fever and dry cough but no chest pain or difficulty breathing. He was taken to the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital's branch in Đông Anh District on Friday and tested positive for the COVID-19.

The 51st patient is a 22-year-old woman from Hà Nội’s Bắc Từ Liêm District. She was studying in Europe.

Since March 11, she reported a fever and coughing.

She returned to Việt Nam on Friday (March 13) on Flight QR968 and was taken to the Central Tropical Diseases Hospital's branch in Đông Anh District as soon as she landed at Nội Bài International Airport.

The 52nd patient is a 24-year-old woman from Hạ Long City, the northeastern province of Quảng Ninh. On March 9, she flew from London to Việt Nam. On arrival at Nội Bài International Airport, she caught a taxi to her hometown and then reportedly self-isolated at home.

Her sample taken in Quảng Ninh Province tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on Friday.

The 53rd patient is a 53-year-old man from the Czech Republic. He arrived at Tân Sơn Nhất International Airport in HCM City on flight QR970 on Tuesday after transiting at Doha Airport (Qatar). When in the Czech Republic, he said he met Italian people. In Việt Nam, he resided in HCM City’s District 1.

On Friday, the patient went to HCM City Traditional Medicine Hospital with symptoms of dry coughing and fatigue. His X-ray result shows that he had pneumonia, so he was isolated and transferred to HCM City Tropical Diseases Hospital where he tested positive for SARS-CoV-2.

All four patients are in a stable condition, according to the Ministry of Health.

Vietnamese patients are being treated free of charge through the COVID-19 prevention and control fund. Foreigners infected with SARS-CoV-2 would have to cover their treatment fees but quarantine and testing fees will be free of charge, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc said at a meeting on Friday.

Among 37 COVID-19 patients undergoing treatment in Việt Nam, 13 are foreigners. — VNS

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