Photo: Suc Khoe & Doi Song

Covid-19: Daily caseload hits 42,439 on Feb 18

The number of Covid-19 cases continued to rise in the past 24 hours to 4 pm February 18 to a record 42,439, including 12 imported ones, up 6,237 cases from the previous day, according to the Ministry of Health.

Hanoi continued to record the highest number of infections with 4,549 cases, followed by Vinh Phuc with 2,158 and Quang Ninh with 2,018, according to VNA.

Photo: Suc Khoe & Doi Song

Hanoi postpones school reopening plan for grades 1 to 6 in inner districts

The People’s Committee of Hanoi on February 18 agreed with the city Department of Education and Training's proposal to adjust the plan to allow students from grades one to six in 12 inner districts to return to school for face-to-face learning from February 21.

Under a decision signed by the Vice Chairman of the city People’s Committee on February 18, the committee approved the department's proposal to postpone the plan, which means the students will continue their online learning until further notice.

Earlier on February 9, the city Department of Education and Training proposed that students from grades one to six will return to school on February 21, which was approved by the municipal People’s Committee.

However, the pandemic has worsened in the capital city with a high number of new cases in the community every day. Moreover, it is forecast that a severe cold spell will hit Hanoi soon. Besides, a high rate of parents did not agree to let their children return to school in the present situation, reasoned the city's education department.

The decision aims to ensure the safety of children against the pandemic. From February 10, students from grades 1-12 of 17 outlying districts and a township returned to schools. Students from grades 7-12 in 12 urban districts have also resumed in-person learning.

Photo: MOH

Ministry licenses three domestically-produced Molnupiravir drugs to treat Covid-19

The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) under the Ministry of Health on February 17 issued the list of three COVID-19 treatment drugs containing the active ingredient Molnupiravir, which had been granted certificates of registration for conditional circulation. The three drugs are Molravir 400 produced by Boston Vietnam Pharma; Movinavir 200 mg manufactured by Mekophar Chemical Pharmaceutical; and Molnupiravir Stella 400 produced by Stellapharm J.V Co., Ltd.

Earlier, the advisory council of the Ministry of Health agreed with the latter's proposal on granting certificates of registration for conditional circulation to the three drugs. The licensing for these drugs is valid for three years from the date of signing the decision.

The DAV requested drug manufacturing and registration establishments to produce in accordance with dossiers and documents registered with the Ministry of Health, coordinate with treatment facilities to strictly comply with current regulations on prescription drugs, monitor the safety, effectiveness, and unwanted effects of drugs on Vietnamese people, and report it regularly.

The DAV also asked the Departments of Health of provinces and centrally-run cities to direct local medical examination and treatment facilities, medical staff, and drug supply establishments to notify patients of the benefits and risks when using these drugs, treatment methods, other drugs that can replace Molnupiravir in treating Covid-19.

During the circulation of the three drugs, based on the monitoring and updating information on their safety and effectiveness of them, the agency may decide to revoke the granted certificates of registration for circulation in line with Clause 1, Article 58 of the Law on Pharmacy.

Photo: VOV

Da Nang to welcome first international flight on March 27

The central coastal city of Da Nang is set to welcome foreign tourists on its first international flight on March 27 after nearly two years of closure due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. This information was released on February 17 during a meeting held between leaders of Da Nang City People's Committee and representatives of numerous local airlines.

According to a representative of Singapore Airlines, the carrier is scheduled to bring in the first international delegation to Da Nang on March 27, VOV cited.

Representatives of various airlines have expressed their desire to see the central coastal city reopen all entertainment services at tourism sites, properly handle F0 cases if infections are reported, and lift other restrictions currently in place. They also noted that slow reopening will cause the central city to lose its competitive advantages as an attractive destination, and at the same time hinder the capital flow from foreign investors.

A representative of the Da Nang Department of Health revealed that the city would no longer implement a quarantine period for foreign tourists, adding that the unit would also provide timely support and treatment for those who are unfortunately exposed to the virus.

At present, 45% of lodging facilities in Da Nang have reopened to visitors, while 150 travel firms have resumed operations. In mid-March, other tourist attractions will reopen with a wide array of fresh tourism products. Tran Phuoc Son, vice chairman of Da Nang City People's Committee, affirmed the city is ready to welcome back tourists. He requested that local airlines conduct international flights next March in order to revive the local tourism industry as soon as possible.

Vietnam Covid-19 Updates (Feb. 18): Daily Infection Tally Continues to See Sharp Rise The national tally reached 2,643,024, including 200 infections of Omicron. There are 3,017 patients in critical conditions.

Vietnam Covid-19 Updates (Feb. 17): Daily Count Hits New Record High of Nearly 35,000 As of 6 pm on February 16, Vietnam has detected 2,606,824 Covid-19 cases since the start of the outbreak, ranking 34th out of 225 countries ...

Vietnam Covid-19 Updates (Feb. 15): Close to 30,000 New Infections in Single Day As of 6 pm on February 14, Vietnam has detected 2,540,273 Covid-19 cases since the start of the outbreak, ranking 34th out of 225 countries ...