The cases were among 72 infections chosen randomly for virus gene sequencing in several hospitals of Ho Chi Minh City, authorities said. Three of them HCMC residents, one is from Nghe An, one traveled to Dong Thap and returned to HCMC after the Tet holiday. All have been vaccinated with at least two doses.

A health worker performs Covid-19 testing on samples at the HCMC Hospital for Tropical Diseases.

They all have either mild symptoms or are asymptomatic. Their health is stable.

Contact tracing efforts revealed 19 close contacts of the infected cases, and quick tests revealed that three were positive with the coronavirus.

The HCMC Center for Disease Control (CDC) said the five cases infected with the Omicron variant were the result of community transmission.

HCMC has detected 125 cases infected with the Omicron variant so far, with 115 imported cases and 10 detected within the community. The previous five community cases were linked to a U.S. entrant.

There have been no severe cases nor deaths among them.

Vietnam has officially confirmed 192 Omicron variant infections as of Thursday.

Omicron mostly asymptomatic, less lung damage likely: minister

Most Omicron infections in Vietnam have no symptoms, and the variant is less likely to damage lungs, says deputy Health Minister Nguyen Truong Son.

Vietnam confirms 14 more Omicron cases

Fourteen people arriving in Vietnam from South Korea and the U.S. have been confirmed to be infected with the Omicron coronavirus strain.

14,440 new Covid-19 cases, 214 more deaths, first Omicron case reported on Tuesday

14,440 new Covid-19 cases, 214 more deaths, first Omicron case reported on Tuesday.

Stronger measures needed amid Omicron: Deputy PM

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on December 22 asked Covid-19 prevention and control groups and other relevant forces to double efforts in vaccinations, support patients and ensure that those under home quarantine and treatment enjoy the Tet (Lunar New Year) holiday.

Source: VnExpress