COVID-19: 425 new cases recorded, HCM City imposes social distancing
VOV.VN - As many as 425 people have tested positive for the SARS-CoV-2 virus in 12 Vietnamese cities and provinces during the past 12 hours, including 350 cases in Ho Chi Minh City.
Of the total, 423 cases were locally acquired and two imported, the Ministry of health said in its 06.00am COVID-19 update on July 9.
Most of the locally acquired cases were reported in southern Vietnam, with HCM City logging 350 cases, Long An 37, Dong Nai 15, An Giang 5 and Bac Lieu 1.
The remaining 15 cases were recorded in Phu Yen (6), Khanh Hoa (4), Bac Ninh (3), Vinh Phuc (1), and Gia Lai (1).
Two Vietnamese nationals returning from overseas tested positive in Thai Binh and An Giang.
Earlier the MoH announced 1,314 cases recorded in 24 hours till 06.00pm on July 8, including 918 cases in HCM City alone.
Vietnam has recorded nearly 21,340 positive cases following the resurgence of the virus on April 27. Overall it has logged a total of 24,810 cases since the virus attacked the country in January 2020.
As many as 8,950 patients have recovered from the disease, and 105 patients have died of COVID-19 and other underlying illnesses. .
Tighter prevention measures in place in HCM City
All eyes are now on HCM City which has emerged as the country’s largest coronavirus hotspot.
The busiest and most populous city in Vietnam imposed two-week social distancing with tighter prevention measures as of 00.00 on July 9, aiming to slow the spread of the virus.
Local residents were required to stay indoors and were only allowed to go out for food or other necessities and for emergency cases. Those who fail to observe the order would be subject to hefty fines.
All public transport services were also suspended within the city and from the city to other localities nationwide.
The municipal administration implemented a pilot scheme on home quarantine for all F1 cases, i.e. those in first had contact with sources of infection.
The city also re-established 12 health quarantine checkpoints at its gateways to control all entry and exit movements.
During an online meeting with municipal leaders on July 8, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh affirmed the government will pool all necessary recourses for HCM City.
