Photo: VOV

Covid-19: Daily count rises, new deaths fall sharply

Vietnam has confirmed 15,150 new coronavirus infections in 61 cities and provinces across the country, an increase of 221 cases compared to the previous day, according to the Ministry of Health (MoH).

In its coronavirus update on January 29, the MoH also announced 115 new fatalities, a fall of 26 cases compared to the previous day. Meanwhile, an additional 12,353 patients recovered from the disease.

Of the newly detected infections, 10,187 patients were diagnosed in the community, 50 tested positive upon returning from overseas, and the remainder were documented in the lockdown or quarantine areas, cited VOV.

Hanoi capital continued to top localities, registering 2,806 new cases, followed by Bac Ninh (992), Da Nang (865), Thanh Hoa (732), Hai Phong (663), Quang Nam (601), Nam Dinh (505), Binh Dinh (419), and Hoa Binh (414),

As of 06pm on January 29 Vietnam has detected 2,233,287 Covid-19 cases since the start of the outbreak, ranking 28th out of 224 countries and territories worldwide.

Of the infected patients, 1,962,597 have been discharged from hospital after making a full recovery from the disease, and 37,547 patients have died of the virus.

The number of Omicron infections remained unchanged at 166 cases in 14 localities, including 92 cases confirmed in Ho Chi Minh City, 27 in Quang Nam, and 14 in Hanoi.

Nearly 181 million vaccine doses have been administered nationwide, with more than 74 million people getting their second shot and nearly 28 million people receiving their additional shot/booster jab.

Covid concerns prompt suspension of all spring festivals

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has ordered localities nationwide to suspend all spring festivals and cancel fireworks shows planned for the Tet holiday over the “complicated” pandemic situation.

For traditional festivities, the ministry has only allowed the organization of ceremonial parts, banning entertainment activities that attract crowds.

Movie screenings and other cultural and art performances must ensure safety measures for participants and audiences.

Pilgrims flood Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi late January 2020. Photo: VnExpress

The country has around 8,000 festivals in the first two months of the Lunar New Year, mostly in the northern provinces.

The nine-day Tet holiday this year begins Saturday and the Year of the Tiger will start Tuesday.

Last week, authorities in Hanoi canceled the Huong (Perfume) Pagoda festival, one of the country’s longest spring celebrations, according to VnExpress.

Earlier, both Hanoi and HCMC, the country’s biggest metropolises, suspended firework shows usually held on Lunar New Year’s Eve.

The country has recorded over 14,000 new infections a day over the past days, with Hanoi continuously leading the daily tally.

Vietnam to reopen all international air routes soon

There are favorable conditions for reopening all international air routes ahead of the April 30 schedule, according to an official of the Vietnamese Ministry of Transport.

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong said at a press briefing on January 28 that Vietnam has so far resumed 10 international air routes to mostly receive back Vietnamese expatriates for the coming lunar New Year holiday.

“The Ministry of Transport earlier proposed resuming all international air routes by the end of April or the beginning of May 2022. However, the plan is likely to be carried out earlier than scheduled due to the progress of Covid-19 vaccination, including the launch of the spring vaccination campaign,” revealed Dong.

Photo: VNP

He said that the health sector must have general guidelines which are consistent with those of countries with air connections.

He went on to say the Ministry of Transport will review the conditions for reopening international routes and submit a report to the Government. Transport options will also be discussed with the aviation authorities of other countries, according to VOV.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam has licensed major airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Airways, Vietjet Air and Pacific Airlines to conduct regular international flights from Vietnam to Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (the Republic of Korea), Taipei (Taiwan-China), Beijing/Guangzhou (China), San Francisco/Los Angeles (USA), Bangkok (Thailand), Singapore, Vientiane (Laos), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), London (UK), and Frankfurt (Germany).

Passengers who have received full doses of vaccines are required to have a certificate of negative test results for SARS-CoV-2 at least 72 hours before departure. They must present either their vaccine passports or a certificate of Covid-19 recovery in line with guidelines outlined by the Ministry of Health. They are required to undergo a three-day quarantine at their place of residence upon arrival.

Vietnamese firms engage in Net Zero race

Vietnam’s strong commitments in climate change adaptation towards achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 announced at the UN Climate Change Conference (COP26) is considered a cornerstone for calculations of renewable energy investors.

According to the Green Innovation and Development Centre (GreenID), a non-profit organization which promotes sustainable development in Vietnam, the country scrapped a combined 7,800 MW to be generated by coal-fired power stations of Quynh Lap 1 and 2 in Nghe An, Vung Ang 3 in Ha Tinh and Long Phu 2 and 3 in Soc Trang.

On the other hand, Vietnam has increased the capacity of wind power, especially offshore wind power.

Vietnam has scrapped a combined 7,800 MW to be generated by coal-fired power stations. Photo: doanhnghiepkinhtexanh.vn

Ma Khai Hien, Director of the Energy Conservation Research and Development Centre (Enerteam) specializing in energy efficiency and conservation, said in addition to increasing the percentage of renewable energy and reducing the rate of fossil fuel use in electricity production, energy saving is another solution. Vietnam holds huge potential for energy saving, particularly in cement and ceramics production, thermal power plants, commercial building and agricultural processing.

To realize the set target of increasing renewable energy coverage in line with sustainable development, due attention must be paid to the study of modern technology in the energy field, such as storage and transmission systems and digital transformation.

In the net zero race, those who respond with a rapid and comprehensive approach will gain the upper hand. The race is viewed as both a responsibility and challenge for businesses as first comers will be pioneers and gain a foothold amid changes in consumers’ behaviors, technologies and markets, reported VNA.

GreenID Director Nguy Thi Khanh said her centre is working with relevant agencies to set up an alliance with a focus on achieving net zero.

As Vietnam may need between US$147 and 221 billion to realize the set target in the 2022-50 period, support from international organizations, private firms and stakeholders of the carbon market is vital.

Companies of all sectors in Vietnam hoping to reduce greenhouse gas emissions can join the alliance, she said, adding that it will support firms to find resources in terms of finance, technology and market as well as boost their prestige, brand and cooperation chances via a network of businesses and experts.

The alliance is scheduled to debut in the first quarter of this year and a survey on demand and capacity of firms regarding net zero will be carried out in March.

Vietnam centerback could miss China clash after Covid positive result

Centerback Que Ngoc Hai faces the risk of missing the upcoming World Cup qualifier match with China on February 1 after a rapid antigen test for the novel coronavirus returned positive.

After returning to Hanoi Friday night following a heavy loss to Australia, the national team, including Hai, underwent rapid antigen tests. Hai's result returned positive.

There’s a possibility that the 29-year-old defender had contracted the virus from Lieu Quang Vinh, who was confirmed positive a few days ago.

Hai had missed the Australia match because of a suspension.

Que Ngoc Hai in an attempt of clearance during the first leg of AFF Cup between Vietnam and Thailand, December 23, 2021. Photo: Leo Shengwei

On Saturday morning, the national team had their samples taken for PCR testing. If Hai is confirmed infected with Covid, he would have to be quarantined, meaning he would not be able to join the match with China at the My Dinh Stadium in Hanoi on the first day of the Year of the Tiger, cited VnExpress.

Hai's absence would significantly affect the calculations of Coach Park Hang-seo. Except for the match against Australia, the centerback from Nghe An Province is one of the two rare players to fully play the previous six matches in the third qualifying round.

After seven defeats, Vietnam are at the bottom of Group B.

Hanoi authorities had earlier approved a proposal to welcome 20,000 fans to the My Dinh National Stadium for the February 1 clash.

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