Vietnam reports first two locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in 55 days

Vietnam’s health ministry has confirmed its first two locally transmitted COVID-19 cases in nearly two months, just weeks before the country’s Lunar New Year holiday period, when big gatherings indoors are expected.

It comes as the Lowy Institute’s latest research survey found that Vietnam was one of the top countries to have the best response to the pandemic, coming in at number two after New Zealand.

Though a tiny number compared with new coronavirus infections in many countries, the two cases are a jolt for Vietnam.

Thanks to strict…