A cluster of cases detected on a cargo ship from India
The initial contact tracing led to four family members of the preacher and 20 members of the sect. After expanding the contact tracing work, the authorities detected more members in eight districts. Over 120 samples were taken for tests and 25 have come back positive. The authorities have continued tracing more contacts and tightening preventive measures in the city.
Nguyen Tan Binh, director of HCM City Department of Health said the gathering place is located in a small alleyway in Go Vap District. Health authorities said the pathogen might have been present in the community and had already spread for a while before being detected.
"Even though the city has banned large gathering but violations still occurred," he said. "All religious activities have been suspended as well as unnecessary meetings. If it is unavoidable, the meeting must not have more than 20 people in the same room."
District authorities were asked to strictly deal with gatherings at street vendors and people who do not wear face masks in public. Food establishments will be closed immediately if they fail to follow the regulations.
Meanwhile, nine crew members on the Panamanian ship, Ashico Victoria, tested positive for Covid-19. The ship was owned by the Vietnamese firm, Asia Marine Equipment and Services JSC. It left India on May 16 and arrived in Vietnam on May 21.
Three days later, the shipowner reported that 17 members had fallen sick with symptoms including coughing and loss of taste. The members were brought ashore and tested for Covid-19. The shipowner was asked to have plans in case all of the members were quarantined.
HCM City Maritime Administration proposed to restrict entry for ships arriving from countries with a high number of cases like India.
