Saigon Enters 2-Week Citywide Social Distancing On 31 May As COVID-19 Cases Surge

Saigon enters social distancing period on 31st May 2021

For the past couple of days, COVID-19 cases in Ho Chi Minh City have risen sharply after a church cluster was identified last week.

In response to the escalating situation, local authorities have imposed a 2-week citywide social distancing starting from 31st May 2021.

Public gatherings of over 5 people are prohibited

Image credit: Thanh Nien

Local authorities’ announced the tightened social distancing rules on 30th May 2021 as the city reported 4 COVID-19 clusters, bringing the total cases since 27th April to 157.

During this period, gatherings of over 5 people in public spaces are strictly prohibited. Citizens should refrain from going out unless necessary, while those aged above 60 years should stay home continuously.

In public places, people should maintain a 2M distance from each other and wear masks at all times.

According to Medinet, only essential services can remain operating while F&B businesses should only provide take-outs or delivery services.

Image credit: Thanh Nien

In Go Vap District and District 12 where multiple church-linked infections have been reported, authorities imposed strict isolation measures. At midnight, police officers set up barriers to prevent arrivals and departures from these areas.

Vietnam’s COVID-19 situation

Image credit: Nhan Dan

Vietnam reported 61 new coronavirus cases on 31st May 2021, bringing the total domestic cases in the country from the beginning of the pandemic to 7,168. The total virus-linked deaths have amounted to 47, Suc Khoe Doi Song reports.

Bac Giang itself is currently reporting the highest number of infections with 2,161 cases, followed by Bac Ninh with 804 cases. Hanoi recorded 297 cases, including 15 new cases this morning.

Image credit: Ministry of Health

While many safety measures have been implemented to curb the spread of COVID-19, the safest solution is still for us to get our vaccinations.

With that in mind, Vietnam has set a target of inoculating its 97 million residents by the end of 2021.

As of 12th May, thousands of medical workers have been inoculated with the first dose of the AstraZeneca vaccine, according to the Ministry of Health.

Saigon enters citywide social distancing period

This month has seen Saigon continue to record more domestic infections, despite putting in place moderate restrictions. For this reason, a citywide social distancing period is necessary to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 and ease the burden off local healthcare systems.

For the next 2 weeks, let’s do our best to break the cycle of infections by staying indoors as much as possible and observe strict distancing when leaving our homes.

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Cover image adapted from: Thanh Nien

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