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Hanoi’s COVID-19 Cases Rise to 29 This Year

FILE - In this July 29, 2020, file photo, a health worker disinfects arriving Vietnamese COVID-19 patients at the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi, Vietnam. After over a month with no local infections, Vietnam has recorded 176 confirmed coronavirus cases from several outbreaks that have spread to 19 provinces during the past 10 days, the Health Ministry said Friday, May 7, 2021. (Bui Cuong Quyet/VNA via AP, File)

Hanoi has reported 29 COVID-19 cases so far this year, showing a small rise in infections.

Between March 20 and 27, the city recorded 17 new cases across 12 different areas. This is a sharp increase compared to just three cases reported in the previous week. Health officials are monitoring the situation closely to prevent further spread.

The World Health Organization is also watching a COVID-19 variant called BA.3.2. Experts say this variant has some changes that might make it harder for vaccines to fully protect against it.

Local authorities in Hanoi have asked people not to panic but to stay careful. They have advised residents to continue following safety measures like wearing masks, maintaining hygiene, and avoiding crowded places when possible.

At the same time, a new variant named Cicada has been found in small numbers in different regions. Scientists are studying this variant to understand how it spreads and whether it could have a bigger impact.

Officials say there is no need for fear right now, but staying alert and cautious is important to keep the situation under control.