Records of Lao Dong reporters at some pharmacies in Hanoi show that many stores are in a state of "sold out" with quick test packages.
Ms. Tran Mai (character's name has been changed) said that recently, many people have come to the pharmacy to ask to buy a quick test for COVID-19 but there are no more products. "Current supply is not enough to meet the strong demand," she said.
Similarly, Ms. Nguyen Hai (character's name has been changed) said: "My store still has two sets of suites in the morning, but by noon they were sold out. In the past few days, customers have been coming to buy but have had to refuse because there are no more goods".
The shortage has been reported at many other pharmacies. Some are only limited in quantity, mostly small stores. Meanwhile, the COVID-19 rapid test kit market on social networks is bustling again, with many different designs and prices. However, buyers often have to pre-order and wait for delivery.
An online sales account said that all 40 boxes of the newly imported test kit had been purchased by the clinics. "If customers need a large quantity, they can still order in advance, if there are goods, we will report them," this person said.
Another seller named Le Huyen said that they are currently providing rapid tests for flu, COVID-19 and respiratory diseases. The main product is a test kit manufactured in China, retail price about 40,000 VND/test, buying in large quantities can be reduced to 35,000 VND/test. The seller affirmed that he had enough invoices and documents as requested.
In this situation, doctors recommend that people should not be subjective when symptoms of suspected COVID-19 appear. Self-tests can be initially supported, but if there are serious symptoms, it is necessary to go to a medical facility for timely examination and treatment. COVID-19 is currently classified as a group B infectious disease - a circulating disease that does not disappear completely, and can increase or decrease according to the seasonal flu strain cycle. However, experts say that most of the current cases are mild, with no serious cases or deaths recorded, so people should not worry too much.
