HCMC – Vietnam recorded 13,889 fresh Covid-19 cases this evening, December 29, the lowest level over the past three weeks, said the Ministry of Health.
Of the new infections, 13,873 were locally-infected cases found in 60 provinces and cities nationwide, down 548 cases day-on-day. The remaining 16 cases were imported.
The capital city of Hanoi again led the country by the case number for the ninth straight day, at 1,766 cases. Tay Ninh and Vinh Long each saw over 900 new cases, while HCMC and Khanh Hoa each reported over 700 cases.
The ministry also confirmed 245 new Covid deaths in the day, with 40 in HCMC, 28 in An Giang, and 21 in Dong Thap. To date, the country’s Covid death toll has reached more than 31,800 cases.
Meanwhile, 38,260 Covid patients were announced to have fully recovered from the disease the same day, sending the country’s total recoveries to over 1.3 million.
Regarding Covid-safe measures, Bac Ninh Province has decided to suspend dine-in services starting today due to the complicated developments of Covid in this northern locality, while take-away services are allowed, said Vuong Quoc Tuan, vice chairman of the provincial government, at a meeting yesterday.
The province also banned large gatherings, such as year-end parties, from December 29 to January 12. The ban could be extended further depending on the Covid situation.
Besides, local people were asked to stay at home and not venture out between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m, except for emergencies. Outdoor activities must not gather more than 10 people and participants have to practice social distancing.
Non-essential services in Bac Ninh such as karaoke lounges, bars, clubs, massage parlors, spas, cinemas continued to remain closed.
Since April 29, Bac Ninh has reported over 10,900 Covid infections.
Similarly, Hoi An City in Quang Nam Province has decided to suspend two events on the occasion of the New Year holiday due to the pandemic, including an event to ring in the Year 2022 on December 31 and another one on January 1 to welcome the first group of tourists visiting this central ancient city.
According to Hoi An government, there remain many locally-infected Covid cases with unknown source of transmission in Quang Nam. Therefore, the city will continue to adopt anti-virus measures as required by the provincial government.
Activities to welcome back tourists under the travel bubble program, street culture and art performances will take place as normal but they have to comply with anti-virus measures.
