The 57-year-old man tested positive for the virus, technically known as Sars-CoV-2, at the Da Nang Centre for Disease Control and the Nha Trang Pasteur Institute, and the result was corroborated by the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology on July 25.
The PM said at a cabinet meeting the same day that the news is not welcome but calm is needed to take appropriate measures to control the situation and prevent further community infection.
He praised the efforts to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus in Vietnam, helping the country achieve a record 99 days without a local transmission with all new cases involving people coming from abroad.
But because of that some have slacked off and failed to comply with the recommended precautionary measures, resulting in lax control over the illegal entry of foreigners into Vietnam.
With the latest case in Da Nang, whose infection source is not yet known, the PM asked the city to continue investigating, tracing, testing and quarantining those in close contact with the patient.
He also requested the health sector assist Da Nang with medical experts and equipment to treat the patient, adding that any introduction of social distancing measures across the city will be decided on by its mayor.
Besides aggressive efforts to curb the virus in Da Nang, PM Phuc also called for strict border controls to block illegal immigration and the continued distribution of information about prevention measures so that the public can protect themselves.
He called on the public to continue taking safety precautions such as wearing masks in crowded places and washing their hands with soap regularly.
