The returnees must also be tested for Covid-19 three times during their self-isolation: on the first day, the third day and the sixth day, the ministry said.

A medical worker scans the body temperature of a student in HCMC, July 7, 2021.

They must restrict interaction with others after their self-isolation period, and not participate in events with large crowds. If symptoms like fever, cough, throat pain, breathing difficulty or loss of sense of taste are present, they must report themselves to the nearest medical facility.

The document issued by the ministry says however, that the aforementioned measures would not apply for those who pass through HCMC without stopping.

Also Wednesday, Hanoi requested citizens to refrain from traveling to existing coronavirus hotspots including HCMC. Those who do so must be employees of companies and other organizations travelling for official business based in the said areas and their travel must be approved by relevant authorities.

The capital city will erect Covid-19 checkpoints at bus and coach stations, as well as certain traffic routes to manage the flow of traffic and people in and out of Hanoi.

This week, Hanoi recorded 19 new local Covid-19 cases, breaking a nine-day streak without a community transmission.

The capital has confirmed 483 infections since late April when the fourth wave hit Vietnam. Of these, 128 were found in locked-down hospitals.

HCMC, now the nation's biggest coronavirus hotspot, has recorded 8,385 local cases since the fourth wave hit Vietnam in late April, with the number of infections increasing by 1,000 in just a few days.

Vietnam Airlines gets five-star Covid-19 airline safety rating

The national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has been certified with the highest 5-Star Covid-19 Airline Safety Rating for the safety measures and improved hygiene processes introduced by the firm to help reduce the spread of the coronavirus.

Public artworks convey messages for Covid-19 prevention and control

Since the Covid-19 pandemic appeared and broke out globally, in many major cities around the world, artwork in diverse forms from mural paintings and graffiti have been created at public spaces, reflecting the danger of the pandemic while celebrating the beauty of life.

Nearly 13 million workers hurt by Covid-19

Some 12.8 million workers have been affected by the Covid-19 pandemic in the second quarter this year, up 41 percent over the first, the General Statistics Office estimates.

Vietnam announces four more Covid deaths

Four women with Covid-19 have been announced dead in HCMC, Hanoi, and the central provinces of Nghe An and Ha Tinh.

Vietnam's local Covid-19 case count up by 277

The Health Ministry confirmed 277 local Covid-19 patients Tuesday morning, including 230 in Ho Chi Minh City.

Source: VnExpress