Vietnam experiences first case of recent Covid-19 variant

Vietnam has detected its first imported case of the brand new coronavirus variant that’s spreading quickly round Britain, the well being ministry mentioned on Saturday.

The variant was detected in a 44-year-old girl returning to Vietnam from Britain, who was quarantined upon arrival and was confirmed constructive for the virus on 24 December, the ministry mentioned in an announcement.

“Researchers ran gene-sequencing on the affected person’s pattern and located the pressure is a variant often known as “VOC 202012/01″”, it mentioned.

The variant features a genetic mutation that, in concept, might end result within the virus spreading extra simply between individuals.

Nations all over the world have reduce off journey hyperlinks to Britain to cease the unfold of the brand new variant, which scientists have mentioned is 40-70% extra transmissible than the unique virus.

Vietnam continues to be working repatriation flights to convey its residents caught within the UK house amid the pandemic.

With strict quarantine and monitoring measures, Vietnam rapidly contained coronavirus outbreaks, permitting financial exercise to rebound quicker than in a lot of Asia. It has recorded 1 474 infections, with 35 deaths.

We dwell in a world the place info and fiction get blurred

In occasions of uncertainty you want journalism you’ll be able to
belief. For under R75 per 30 days, you could have entry to
a world of in-depth analyses, investigative journalism,
high opinions and a variety of options. Journalism
strengthens democracy. Make investments sooner or later as we speak.