Vietnam records 3,636 new positive cases and 1,542 recoveries

The nation documented a total of 3,636 COVID-19 cases on October 21, representing a fall of 17 infections compared to the previous day, according to figures released by the Ministry of Health.

Ho Chi Minh City continued to report the highest number of cases with 1,255, followed by neighbouring Binh Duong province with 483 and Dong Nai province with 390.

The overall national tally now stands at 877,537, including 3,156 imported and 874,381 local infections.

According to statistics published within the Ministry of Health’s report, 3,041 patients nationwide are in serious condition.

Furthermore, October 21 also saw the country’s fatality count relating to COVID-19 rise to 21,487 following the confirmation of a further 71 deaths.

A total of 1,541 patients were also declared to be clear of the virus, thereby taking the total number of recoveries to 798,124.

As of October 20, the nation had injected over 68.8 million doses of vaccines, with more than 19.4 million people now being fully vaccinated.

Currently, the health sector is in the process of implementing guidelines or plans aimed at launching a vaccination drive for children as swiftly as possible.

According to Dr. Kidong Park, representative of the World Health Organisation (WHO) in Vietnam, the WHO recommends that children with severe chronic diseases can be vaccinated against COVID-19, providing that there is enough supply.

The nation is currently home to over 8.1 million children aged between 12 and 17. According to statistics compiled by the health sector, there are more than 20,000 children under the age of 15 with COVID-19 being treated at medical facilities nationwide, in addition to those who have no symptoms, or who only have mild illness and are undergoing treatment at home.