Omicron now dominant variant in Vietnam
The Omicron is currently the dominant variant in many localities in Vietnam, especially in the two biggest cities of Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City according to the Ministry of Health.
The Omicron is currently the dominant variant in many localities in Vietnam
A report from the Hanoi Department of Health said that the Omicron variant had been found in 20 of 30 districts.
In HCM City, the Omicron variant now accounts for 76 percent of all samples taken for genetic tests.
According to the Health Ministry, the new subtype BA.2 of the omicron coronavirus variant which is spreading fast in 82 countries has also been found in Vietnam.
"In Hanoi, as many as 87 percent of all Omicron-infected patients are now carrying the new BA.2 variant, the Ministry said. "This new subtype is spreading faster but causes fewer symptoms among patients. People who have recovered from the BA.1 variant may still be infected with the BA.2, especially those who have not vaccinated."
Health Minister Nguyen Thanh Long said that the Omicron variant has recently caused the soaring Covid-19 infection rate in the country. However, thanks to the high vaccine coverage, the Covid-19 death rate had sharply dropped. Over the past month, new Covid-19 infections increased by 197.9 percent, but the death rate declined by 47.1 percent. During that time, the number of patients who were treated at hospital decreased by 24.5 percent. Meanwhile, the rate of worsened and severe cases also dropped by 43.1 percent.
"Vaccination is a critically important measure for enhancing immunity against Omicron," the minister said. "We’re asking localities to quickly administer the third and booster doses for all people. The third dose can help lessen symptoms and reduce fatalities."
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