COVID-19 checkpoints oversee people traveling during social distancing time. (Photo: VOV)

Experts said it’s necessary to adopt appropriate criteria for pandemic prevention at local levels, such as vaccine certificate and green areas. 

A representative from the Health Ministry said the Ministry will adjust ages eligible for COVID-19 vaccines, including children 12 years and older. Ho Chi Minh City has more than 10,000 children affected with the coronavirus from the recent outbreak. The Health Ministry will consider the situation, the percentage of vaccinated people, and local medical abilities to gradually ease social distancing under the Prime Minister’s Directive 16.

As Deputy Head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, Deputy Prime Minister Dam said as the global pandemic situation and response measures have changed, Vietnam needs to change its strategy.

“The pandemic in Vietnam can be divided in two areas. The epicenter is Ho Chi Minh city and adjacent provinces of Binh Duong, Dong Nai, and Long An. The rest of the country is rather safe. Localities, that are free from COVID-19 or have few infections like Hanoi, will observe social distancing but different from that in Ho Chi Minh city. We have agreed to adjust pandemic prevention strategies for two different areas which are almost at two extremes,” Dam said.

Deputy Prime Minister Dam said social distancing remains an effective measure that many countries have continued to apply to block the infection even when all people have been vaccinated. It’s important to be thoroughly prepared and take strict measures, he said.