The region, home to around 35 million people or more than a third of the country's population, has accounted for most of the country’s daily new Covid-19 cases of around 5,000.

People return to Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport from HCMC, July 15, 2021.

HCMC and the industrial provinces of Binh Duong and Dong Nai began social distancing late last month or early this month while the 16 others, including the entire Mekong Delta, began a two-week social distancing campaign on Monday.

The quarantine order is one of Hanoi's toughest measures yet to curb the spread of the coronavirus. Earlier those entering from Covid-hit areas only needed to self-isolate themselves for 14 days.

Thousands are now entering Hanoi every day, posing a risk of causing new Covid clusters. On July 19 for instance around 1,300 people flew in from HCMC and 3,000 came from Da Nang by road alone, according to official statistics.

The administration has instructed the city Department of Health to create the capacity to quarantine around 50,000 people, prioritizing outer areas.

Hanoi has had 761 infections since the fourth wave began in late April.

It now urges people not to go out except to buy food or medicines or for emergencies. It has banned gatherings of more than five in public places.

Viet Lap commune put under social quarantine as PM’s Decree No.16

(BGO) – The Chairman of Bac Giang provincial People’s Committee (PPC) has issued decision to adjust and apply social quarantine at Viet Lap commune (Tan Yen district) in line with the PM’s Decree No.16/CT-TTg on March 3, 2020 about Covid-19 prevention and control. 

Japan eases quarantine restrictions for travelers from Vietnam

Japan has decided to halve Covid-19 quarantine for travelers from Vietnam to three days starting on Thursday.

HCMC given instructions to trial home quarantine

People in HCMC who come into contact with Covid-19 patients can be quarantined at home for 28 days with safety protocols followed strictly.

Vietnam cuts quarantine time to 7 days for vaccinated entrants

Vietnam has decided to shorten centralized quarantine time for fully vaccinated entrants from 21 days to seven, as the country plans to initiate a vaccine passport program.

Only 7 days quarantine for national football team

The Ministry of Health has agreed to let the national football team quarantine for only seven days after returning from the UAE.

Source: VnExpress