According to a report from the Hanoi Center for Disease Control (CDC Hanoi), 17 Covid-19 cases were recorded in 12 wards and communes from 20-27/3, bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of the year to 29 across 22 wards and communes. Compared to the same period last year, the number of cases increased by five, with no fatalities reported.

The Hanoi Department of Health has not yet announced the results of tests for the circulating Covid-19 strain but advises residents not to panic or be complacent about the new Covid-19 variant BA.3.2. This variant is also nicknamed "Ve sau" – a sub-lineage of the Omicron lineage.

"It is necessary to continue implementing preventive measures such as wearing masks when visiting healthcare facilities, crowded places, or enclosed spaces; especially for those with symptoms of cough, fever, or respiratory inflammation," CDC Hanoi advised.

Other preventive measures also recommended by the CDC for regular application include: disinfection, washing hands with soap or rapid hand sanitizer, and cleaning contact surfaces such as doorknobs, desks, phones, and personal devices.

Health quarantine at the airport during widespread Covid-19. *Giang Huy*

The World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) classify the "Ve sau" variant as a variant under monitoring. WHO assesses the public health risk of this variant as low compared to currently circulating Omicron lineages.

The BA.3.2 variant was first identified in South Africa on 22/11/2024. Existing data indicates that BA.3.2 has some changes in antigenic properties and immune evasion capabilities under laboratory conditions. However, there is no evidence to date suggesting this variant increases disease severity, hospitalizations, or fatalities. WHO also states that current Covid-19 vaccines remain effective in preventing severe illness and death.

The Ministry of Health also announced it is closely monitoring the disease's evolution and circulating variants worldwide. The preventive health system, medical examination and treatment facilities, and related units maintain surveillance, early detection, risk assessment, and readiness to respond as needed.

The Ministry of Health also advises residents to proactively monitor their health and practice good personal hygiene. They should visit healthcare facilities if they experience suspicious symptoms, especially the elderly, individuals with underlying medical conditions, pregnant women, and other high-risk groups.

In addition to Covid-19, Hanoi also recorded 233 cases of hand, foot, and mouth disease last week, an increase of 46 cases compared to the previous week, with further increases anticipated. Since the beginning of 2026, the capital has reported 1,320 cases, an increase of 582 cases compared to the same period last year.

A leader from CDC Hanoi stated that the health sector is closely monitoring the epidemic situation for early detection, organizing localized investigations, and thoroughly managing areas with cases and outbreaks. Ward and commune health stations are enhancing surveillance to detect patients at decentralized healthcare facilities, through the online infectious disease reporting system, and within the community.

Le Nga