One more British national infected with COVID-19, total rises to 49

The latest 71-year old patient is husband of a British woman who had been confirmed having the virus last week. Both of them arrived in Viet Nam on March 2 and have been staying in the central province of Thua Thien-Hue.

As of Saturday afternoon, as many as 14 passengers on the flight VN0054 have been tested positive for the virus, including 11 British citizens, one Irish, and two Vietnamese.

Among  49 infection cases confirmed in Viet Nam so far, 16 have been successfully treated and discharged from hospitals.

The same day, the Government has decided to temporarily suspend entry for tourists who come from the Schengen countries and/or the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, or have visited or transited through these areas within 14 days preceding their expected entry into Viet Nam.

This decision will be effective from 12:00 (noon), 15 March 2020 for 30 days, and not be applicable to entrants for diplomatic or official purposes./.

By Thuy Dung