ABSTRACT
Objective The objective of the paper is to investigate the presence of SARS-CoV-2 on inanimate surfaces in four healthcare facilities treating patients with COVID-19 and four quarantine regiments of provincial military commands. Methods From August to October 2020, a total of 468 one-off environmental samples consisting of inanimate surfaces, garbage, and wastewater were collected. The real-time RT-PCR assay targeting E and RdRp genes to detect SARS-CoV-2 and checklist and questionnaire of disinfection practices were employed. If detected by RT-PCR, then positive samples are subjected to cell culture to determine viability. Results The test results showed all samples (100%) to be negative with SARS-CoV-2 resulting in unperformed virus culture. As for recent disinfection practices, chlorine-based products dissolved at a concentration of 0.1% (1000 ppm) in the general context or 0.5% (5000 ppm) for blood and body fluid spills are routinely applied twice a day and at the discharge of patients or quarantined people. Conclusions The finding may illustrate the importance of disinfection practices in removing pathogens or significantly reducing SARS-CoV-2 contamination on environmental surfaces and waste.
ABSTRACT
A cluster of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 infections in Danang, Vietnam, began July 25, 2020, and resulted in 551 confirmed cases and 35 deaths as of February 2021. We analyzed 26 sequences from this cluster and identified a novel shared mutation in nonstructural protein 9, suggesting a single introduction into Vietnam.