Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam has asked Ho Chi Minh City to  intensify patrols during the upcoming holidays, control entries and make mask-wearing compulsory in public places in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam speak at event

The Deputy PM made the request during a working session with the city’s steering committee on COVID-19 prevention and control on April 23.

Reporting at the meeting, Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health said the city has recorded no domestic infections since February 10, 2021.

Regarding the vaccination against COVID-19, the city has completed the first phase of inoculation with 9,050 people having been vaccinated.

Since April 19, the city has deployed the second phase with 57,000 doses allocated, of which 9,000 doses have been administered, according to the Department.

Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee said, within a month, the city reported 108 illegal entries. The city has assigned the local police force to apply some strict measures, including coordination with localities bordering the neighbouring countries to control immigration.

Nguyen suggested the Deputy PM direct border localities to strengthen patrol, affirming that the city would actively coordinate with these localities to prevent COVID-19.

Speaking at the meeting, the Deputy PM said that Ho Chi Minh City has controlled the COVID-19 pandemic well with some leading initiatives. 

However, last week, the infections increased by 34% across Asia, while countries in the region are also witnessing an increase in new infections. Ho Chi Minh City is in high-risk as many people flock to the southern economic hub, so it is necessary to continue to strictly control, especially over immigration.

Vu ordered the city to tighten regulations to further curb the spread of COVID-19, particularly during the upcoming holidays./.