The Hà Nam Center for Disease Control (CDC) reported on the night of May 1 that by 9 PM, two more samples tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 on their first test. Both individuals have been properly isolated according to regulations.
This brings the total confirmed COVID-19 cases linked to the outbreak in Quan Nhân village, Đạo Lý commune, Lý Nhân district, to 12.
The outbreak started with patient 2899, a young man returning from Japan. After completing centralized quarantine in Da Nang and returning to Hà Nam, he tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. From this case, 15 others, including both F1 and F2 contacts across Hanoi, Hưng Yên, and Ho Chi Minh City, were also confirmed infected.
Earlier, the Hà Nam People’s Committee issued an urgent directive to strictly implement COVID-19 prevention measures in the province.
Specifically, to quickly control and thoroughly contain the outbreak without letting it spread in the community, Hà Nam ordered social distancing in Đạo Lý commune (Lý Nhân district) starting at 1 PM on May 1, following Prime Minister’s Directive 16/CT-TTg dated March 31, 2020.
Social distancing measures and limits on large gatherings were also applied to Bắc Lý and Chân Lý communes from 1 PM on May 1, based on Directive 15/CT-TTg dated March 27, 2020. Local authorities are increasing inspections and monitoring compliance.
All restaurants, eateries, service businesses, cultural and sports activities, hair salons, spas, and beauty services in Lý Nhân district are suspended from 1 PM on May 1 until further notice.
The province is coordinating closely with health departments, police, military, and related units to rapidly trace contacts and fully contain the outbreak as directed by the Ministry of Health. Residents are asked to pause weddings, engagement parties, celebrations, gatherings, and other large events. Funerals should minimize attendance and strictly follow the 5K safety measures.
Wearing masks outside the home is mandatory. Police and local authorities will increase inspections and strictly handle violations of mask-wearing and other COVID-19 rules. Public information campaigns will be intensified to keep everyone updated on the outbreak and prevention efforts.
