On July 28, the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health received a quick report from the Hospital for Tropical Diseases about COVID-19 test results for two suspected cases being treated at City International Hospital, located at 3 Street 17A, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan District since July 21.
While waiting for the Ministry of Health to confirm the test results, to ensure safety for patients and medical staff and to control the risk of virus spread within the hospital, the Department of Health requested City International Hospital to temporarily stop admitting new inpatients and outpatient visits. This pause is to review and evaluate all COVID-19 prevention measures at the hospital.
The suspension is expected to last for three days starting July 29, 2020. After this period, depending on the situation and reports from the City Center for Disease Control (HCDC), the Department of Health will provide further guidance and decisions.
The Department also requires City International Hospital to strictly follow protective measures as directed by HCDC. The hospital must closely cooperate with HCDC to conduct screening tests and isolate medical staff who had direct contact with the suspected COVID-19 patient. They must also monitor and screen patients currently hospitalized if any unusual symptoms appear.
Previously, a patient born in 1963, American nationality, residing at 256/43/14 Pham Van Chi, Ward 4, District 6, Ho Chi Minh City, was admitted to City International Hospital at 10:49 PM on July 21. The patient was diagnosed for monitoring pulmonary tuberculosis, pneumonia, and thin pleural effusion with pneumothorax.
Specifically, about a month ago, the patient was treated for pneumothorax at Hoan My Hospital in Da Nang, then continued treatment and chest tube removal at Da Nang General Hospital.
During this time, the patient had a persistent low-grade fever and continuous productive cough, treatment did not improve symptoms (a throat swab was sent to Pasteur Institute and results are pending). During treatment, nine individuals including doctors, nurses, and caregivers had close contact with the patient and their family members from 10:10 AM on July 24 to July 27.
On July 28, the hospital discharged the patient and transferred them to the Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Ho Chi Minh City for continued treatment, as per the discharge paper signed by Dr. Tran Quang Binh, Deputy Medical Director of City International Hospital.
