Vietnam is evacuating 80,000 people, the majority of whom are local tourists, from the city of Danang after four new cases of Covid-19 were reported over the weekend, according to The Guardian.

First case of Covid-19 since April reported in Danang

The first case, a 57-year-old man, was confirmed on July 25, making him the first community infection in Vietnam since April. It is not clear how he came to be infected.

This broke the country's 99-day streak of no community transmission, VNExpress reported.

The Nikkei Asian Review reported that he had not left Danang for almost a month, and that 50 people he came in contact with have since been placed in isolation.

Two more cases of Covid-19 from Danang were then reported on July 26: A 61-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman.

A fourth case on July 26, a 17-year-old boy, was also reported in neighbouring Quang Ngai province. He had been in a coach with people who went to the hospital that the 57-year-old man visited.

Evacuation to take place over four days

The evacuation of Danang is expected to take place over four days, with plans for about 100 domestic flights each day, from Danang to 11 other Vietnamese cities.

The health ministry added that local tourists returning to their homes from Danang must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Meanwhile, social distancing measures have been introduced across the city itself, including the suspension of all religious, sports and cultural events, the compulsory wearing of masks in public, and a ban on public gatherings of more than 30 people.

The city's borders are also closed to inbound domestic tourists.

420 cases of Covid-19 recorded in Vietnam

The country remains closed to foreign tourism, although there has been a recent uptick in domestic tourism as a result of flight discounts and vacation packages for hotels, Reuters reported.

Thus far, the country has recorded 420 cases of Covid-19, with no deaths.

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