A year-long fight against COVID-19 in focus

Two Chinese nationals, a father and his son, coming from Wuhan, were diagnosed with the SARS-CoV-2 virus in Vietnam on Jan. 23, becoming the first coronavirus infections in the country. In the photo, the father was given treatment in Vietnam. (Photo: kinhtedothi.vn)

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On Jan. 29, the Party Central Committee issued official dispatch No. 79 on coronavirus prevention and control, and one day later the Prime Minister signed a decision to establish the National Steering Committee for the COVID-19 Prevention and Control led by Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam. (Pictured is Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam).

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From Jan. 23 to Feb. 13, Vietnam detected 16 coronavirus infections linked to the Wuhan outbreak. On Feb. 1, the Prime Minister signed Decision 173 announcing the COVID-19 epidemic nationwide.

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On Feb. 13, Son Loi commune of Vinh Phuc province was locked down after 11 cases were confirmed, affecting nearly 11,000 local residents. On Mar. 4, the blockade was removed. (Photo: Nguyen Ha)

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On Mar. 6, Hanoi announced the first case of the disease, dubbed patient 17, starting a long campaign against the disease. (Photo: Nguyen Ngan)

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On Mar. 16, wearing face masks is compulsory in Vietnam’s public places. Two days later, the Prime Minister decided to suspend granting visas to foreigners entering Vietnam, and to restrict flights from the epidemic zone. (Photo: Nguyen Ha)

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On Mar. 20, two orderlies of Hanoi-based Bach Mai hospital were infected with the virus. The hospital then became the country’s largest coronavirus hotspot, with a total of 46 patients confirmed. (Photo: Hoang Le)

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Also on Mar. 20, the Ministry of Health announced that a British pilot was diagnosed with the virus after visiting the Buddha Bar in Ho Chi Minh City for a party with friends. The bar then became another hotspot in Vietnam, where 18 cases were detected. (Photo: Kim Dung / VOV-HCMC)

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On Mar. 30, the Party General Secretary and State President made an appeal for COVID-19 battle. One day later, the Prime Minister issued Directive No. 16 on the implementation of urgent measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 epidemic. Accordingly, social distancing was imposed nationwide as of April 1. (Photo: Nguyen Ha)

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On Apr. 6, the virus emerged in Ha Loi village on the outskirts of Hanoi capital. A total of 13 cases were detected. A lock-down was imposed, affecting about 13,000 local residents. (Photo: Nguyen Ngan)

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On Apr. 15, the Prime Minister asked 28 cities and provinces classified as ‘high-risk’ and ‘medium-risk’ localities to continue with social distancing measures until at least Apr. 22. On April 24, the Prime Minister issued Directive 19 on the continued implementation of COVID-19 -19 prevention and control in the new normal. (Photo: Nguyen Ha)

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On July 24, the virus resurged in Da Nang city, central Vietnam, ending a 99-day streak without new locally transmitted cases. Vietnam entered the second phase of the COVID-19 fight.

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A social distancing order was reinstated in Da Nang after more cases detected. (In the photo, delivering daily necessities to people affected by the disease in Da Nang.)

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The virus resurged in Hanoi with a 23-year-old infection recorded on Jul. 29.

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On Jul. 31, the first coronavirus death was recorded in Vietnam.

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On Sept. 7, the Ministry of Health announced Vietnam had successfully controlled the outbreak in Da Nang and other localities. A total of 35 patients had died of COVID-19 and other underlying health issues. (In the photo, Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thanh Long, Minister of Health announced the results of the fight at a meeting of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.