People have medical check-up before getting a COVID-19 vaccine shot in HCM City.

Since May 31, Ho Chi Minh City has imposed partial social distancing on the whole city and a lockdown in Go Vap district, Thach Loc ward in district 12, and several other high-risk areas.

The city imposed a new Directive on COVID-19 prevention and control which calls for all unnecessary services to temporarily close. Street markets and public transportation must close, and public gatherings of more than three people, except in offices, schools, and hospitals, are banned. People are encouraged not to leave their home except when absolutely necessary, such as to buy essential goods, go to work at a manufacturing facility, get a Covid-19 shot, or have a test sample taken at the request of the health department.

People must strictly observe the Ministry of Health’s epidemic recommendations, called the 5K rules, including face masks, disinfection, distancing, no large gatherings, and health declarations.

Nguyen Chi Tam, a driver, said: “Drivers and all other people should abide by the authority’s social distancing rule to contain the pandemic. It’s a tough time and we have to comply with the policy for our own safety.”

Since Monday, Ho Chi Minh City has mobilized more than 4,300 medical workers carry out mass vaccinations. All workers in HCMC will be vaccinated in the 4^th vaccination drive. Vietnam expects to receive more than 100 million doses by the end of the year. 10 million doses will go to HCMC.

Duong Anh Duc, Vice Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, said: “In the 4^th vaccination drive, we will continue to vaccinate people on the frontline who are at high risk of infection. 51% of the vaccines will be given to leaders and workers at industrial and processing parks and the Quang Trung software complex.”

Ho Chi Minh city will continue to expand its quarantine site and home-isolation capacity. Hospitals treating COVID-19 patients have contingency plans for installing 3,000 additional hospital beds. With all these efforts, Ho Chi Minh City hopes to contain the epidemic as soon as possible.