PM Nguyen Xuan Phuc (C) chairs a Government meeting on the fight against coronavirus,  December 1, 2020.

His request came after new domestic cases emerged in HCM city in the past few days. Since last Saturday, the city has confirmed 4 new cases including patient 1342, Vietnam’s first domestic infection in 88 days.  

“HCM city must track down and quarantine all people who had close contact with the patients as soon as possible to avoid a third wave of COVID-19 in the community. The city is not an epicenter of COVID-19 as the source of infection was imported. The Transport Ministry must identify the accountability of and strictly handle all violators,” said Mr. Phuc.

A Vietnam Airlines flight attendant was confirmed last Saturday as "Patient 1342." He had returned to Vietnam on November 14 and was quarantined for four days at a facility managed by the airline in HCM city.

After two tests showed he was negative for the coronavirus, he was asked to remain quarantined at his home in Tan Binh district. At home, he came into contact with his mother and two friends, including an English teacher who came to stay with him. The teacher and two others who had close contact with him were later tested positive to coronavirus.   

Health officials and Vietnam Airlines representatives have blamed the flight attendant for violating home quarantine rules, which require people to avoid close contact, stay in an isolated room or keep a distance of at least two meters from other people.