Lady hid travel history, now being blamed for infecting Hanoi

The first coronavirus patient of Hanoi, who somehow managed to hide her travel history from Noi Bai International Airport authority, is being blamed for bringing the virus into the city.

The 29 year old lady reached Vietnam's capital Hanoi on March 2 after visiting Italy, France and Britain.

According to a VN Express International report, she is the county's 17th coronavirus positive patient.

At the time of her arrival, she had no symptoms of COVID-19 but shortly as she was admitted to a hospital with mild fever and coughing she tested corona-positive.

So far her chauffer and aunt are infected with the virus, whereas seven other people – including her father, uncle and five janitors – have been quarantined.

On March 8, a 61-year old man from the same flight tested positive for coronavirus.

Chairman of Hanoi Nguyen Duc Chung said, "The city's Health Department has identified at least 26 people who had direct contact with him, further they had directly contacted 23 others."

"He's been to many places and got in touch with many people, so the risk of spreading the infection is high," he added.  

Later, thirteen people from the same flight were found positive of being affected by the novel coronavirus till now, Bloomberg reported.

However, Vietnamese authorities have vowed to punish anyone for concealing sickness and travel history after the capital has gone into lockdown following panic-buying.

An online tool asking all citizens to declare their health status was launched after the release of an official notice stating "Declaration of false information may be subject to criminal handling."

Although being located right on the Chinese border, Vietnam managed to contain the virus since the initial outbreak in January with swift and effective approaches towards it.