Vietnam eases nationwide social distancing campaign from April 23rd

All of provinces and cities nationwide will be allowed to loosen the social distancing campaign except some high-risk areas in Hanoi, Ha Giang and Bac Ninh, the Vietnamese premier told Wednesday meeting in Hanoi.

He spoke highly of the efforts made by the Steering Committee for Covid-19 epidemic control and prevention, ministries, localities, and citizens in implementing drastic measures to contain the pandemic, bringing about encouraging outcomes.

Thanks to persevering pursuance of the drastic measures, including social distancing, the nation has gone 6.5 days without a new infection case and the recovery rate rose to 83%, or 223 cases, Phuc stressed.

However, he called for upholding vigilance and tightening control to prevent importation of cases due to the absence of drug or vaccine for COVID-19.

He agreed with the Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control to ease containment measures in a cautious manner while pointing out names of districts in several localities where the transmission risk still remains high.

Some localities in Hanoi have to be classified as high-risk groups such as Thuong Tin district, Me Linh district or where there have been cases less than 14 days. These places must strictly apply the social distancing campaign.

At the meeting, the prime minister allowed some businesses to operate in Ho Chi Minh City and some localities to open stores, street business and non-essential services but still have to implement the prevention measures.

In the distancing campaign from April 1, Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and worst hit localities in the country, ordered non-essential businesses such as bars, clubs and restaurants to shut down temporarily.

Vietnam has confirmed 268 Covid-19 cases so far, of whom 223 have recovered. Number of active patients reduced to 45. The country has recorded no new infection in the last six and a half days.

► Vietnam’s PM orders to gradually loosen virus containment measures