On Wednesday, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health urged the public to remain vigilant and continue practising COVID-19 prevention measures as case numbers are rising in several countries around the world.

The advisory, which calls for preventive measures such as wearing face masks in public spaces and avoiding large gatherings, came amid a slight uptick in domestic infections and growing global concern over the spread of new sub-variants, particularly in neighbouring Thailand.

Since the beginning of 2025, Vietnam has recorded 148 scattered COVID-19 cases across 27 provinces and cities, with no fatalities reported.

While no major outbreaks have occurred, the ministry noted a gradual rise in weekly cases over the past three weeks, averaging 20 new infections per week.

Vietnamese health authorities have warned that new cases may increase in the coming weeks, especially following recent holidays that saw high levels of travel and social activity.

However, the ministry said a significant rise in severe cases is not anticipated.

(Xinhua/NAN)