People in Vietnam’s lockdown areas are required to remain in their living quarters to slow the spread of the virus.

The requirement will take effect from August 1 until the end of the restrictions following a request made by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Saturday [July 31].

Authorities help bring workers home from Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: PLO

All 19 southern cities and provinces will extend another two-week lockdown after the end of the first social distancing period on August 2.

The request is aimed to curb the spread of the virus that left the country with more than 145,000 infections, including 1,306 deaths.

So far, one-third of the country is placed under partial lockdown, including Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City. More than 10 localities in the south are imposing a curfew from 6:00 PM to 6:00 AM daily.

Local authorities are asked to provide healthcare, good treatment for confirmed cases, and welfare for the poor and jobless people.

On July 31, one million doses of the Chinese Sinopharm’s Vero Cell Covid-19 vaccine arrived in Ho Chi Minh City. It is estimated to receive 13.8 million doses this year, including five million doses in August) from the Health Ministry’s allocation.

The dose will enable the city to inoculate 99% of adults aged above 18.

Police in Hanoi's downtown check reasons for going out during the lockdown. Photo: Khanh Huy/ Phap Luat Xa Hoi

Hanoi, meanwhile, keeps the restrictions closely followed. Police continue fining violators who wear no mask in the public and go out unnecessarily.

So far, 26.7% of Covid-19 patients have recovered while more than 5.98 million vaccine doses have been administered, with nearly 589,000 fully inoculated.

Vietnam's Covid-19 cases. Source: MoH. Chart: Minh Vu