However, given the complex development of the disease in China, Vietnam should prepare for all scenarios, even the worst one when thousands are infected with the virus, and work hard to prevent it from spreading, the official said.

At a meeting with ministries and sectors on disease prevention, Mr. Dam asked the Ministry of Health to prepare medicines and necessary equipment, and promptly detect and quarantine patients, and urged centrally-run and provincial hospitals to swiftly set up emergency teams in localities.

One of the two Chinese nationals who were the first confirmed cases of new coronavirus in Vietnam has recovered at Ho Chi Minh City-based Cho Ray Hospital.

Vietnam’s localities are stepping up measures to fight the new coronavirus. Hoi An city has established a steering committee on disease prevention and set up a hotline. The city has provided medical face masks to those working at tourism sites and advised people to wear masks in crowded places. Nguyen Van Hai, Director of Quang Nam provincial Department of Health, said: “Efforts should be made to best control the situation at the initial stage to prevent the disease from occurring. We are well prepared for cases to be tested positive. The best way is to control visitors to Quang Nam and those who are staying in Quang Nam, especially visitors from China.”

Da Nang city has proposed temporary closure of flights, and sea and land routes to or from where the outbreak occurred. Health workers are working around the clock at border gates, airports, and seaports, increase oversight of community, and carry out the isolation procedure. Le Hoai Nam, Deputy Director of Da Nang International Airport, said: “We have recommended the government not to issue passports and serve tours from disease areas. Quarantine activities are underway. Those detected by the camera as having temperatures of more than 37 degrees Celsius will be isolated immediately. This measure remains effective here in Da Nang.”

Khanh Hoa province’ Tropical Disease Hospital has opened another isolation section, bringing the total number of isolated beds to 40.