One case of COVID-19 was detected in the past 12 hours to 6pm March 16, raising the national tally to 2,560, according to the Health Ministry.

Taking samples for COVID-19 testing (Photo: VNA)

The new case was reported by the northern province of Hai Duong, which is home to the largest hotspot of the latest wave of COVID-19 in the country since January 27.

The same day, 43 COVID-19 patients were given the all-clear, bringing the total number of recoveries to 2,158. The death toll remains at 35.

Among patients still under treatment, 40 have tested negative for SARS-CoV-2 once, 22 twice and 82 thrice.

A total 36,923 people who had close contact with COVID-19 patients or arrived from pandemic-hit areas are being quarantined nationwide, with 496 at hospitals, 17,396 at concentrated quarantine facilities and 19,031 at their home or accommodation.

Source: VNA