Among the new domestic infections found in eight Vietnamese localities, 134 were found in Bac Giang, 38 in Bac Ninh, 28 in Hanoi, 3 in Binh Duong, two in Long An and one each in Dak Lak, Danang and Tra Vinh.
The cases uncovered in Bac Giang are all connected with outbreaks in local quarantined zones and industrial parks, while cases in Bac Ninh are also closely associated with existing outbreaks found in the province.
Furthermore, the cases occurring in other localities came into contact with confirmed COVID-19 patients.
In addition, the country also recorded an additional three imported infections which were put into isolation right after arrival.
Following the discovery of these cases, the national tally of local infections now stands at 5,815, including 4,245 confirmed as part of the latest COVID-19 wave to hit the nation.
The total recoveries rose to 3,030 after a total of 80 coronavirus patients were declared to be clear of the virus, while the overall number of imported infections is 1,506.
Bac Giang province and its neighbour Bac Ninh account for the majority of infections, with 2,252 and 842 cases, respectively. A rise in the number of infections in Ho Chi Minh City is associated with multiple clusters, with 157 being recorded so far, thereby prompting the southern metropolis to implement a two-week social distancing period starting from May 31.
Moreover, Ho Chi Minh City has announced plans to halt COVID-19 tests for people traveling abroad and instead focus on widespread testing among the community to target specific hotspots.
Beginning from May 31, the Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control will no longer offer the testing service to those hoping to travel abroad. The suspension will last until further notice.
Elsewhere, Hanoi can also be considered another significant COVID-19 hotspot and is scrutinizing its testing process, with the aim to reduce the density faced by people in isolation areas to avoid cross-infection.
Amid growing COVID-19 cases, the majority of which are F1s who came into contact with F0 cases before undergoing isolation, Chu Ngoc Anh, chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee inspected the Military School of the Capital Command on the morning of May 31. During this visit he asked for the site to reduce its density and ensure safety to prevent cross-infection.
Vietnam is facing its most challenging COVID-19 wave, with 4,245 domestic cases recorded across 34 of its 63 cities and provinces.