HCMC – The Ministry of Health this evening, September 29 reported 8,758 fresh Covid-19 cases, including 8,744 domestic infections in 33 provinces and cities, up 4,161 cases over yesterday.
HCMC recorded the highest number of domestic infections at 4,699, up 4,322 cases day-on-day, taking the city’s caseload in the ongoing fourth wave of the pandemic, which began in late April, to 380,870.
Binh Duong came second with 2,389, down 186 cases against yesterday, followed by Dong Nai with 899, Long An with 132 and Soc Trang with 112. Other localities reported fewer than 100 infections each.
The latest locally-infected cases have raised the country’s Covid count in the current wave to 774,854, with 578,330 patients having made a full recovery.
The ministry also reported 162 new coronavirus-related deaths, with 113 in HCMC, 33 in Binh Duong, three each in Dong Nai and An Giang, two each in Kien Giang, Long An and Dong Thap and one each in Can Tho, Ca Mau, Ba Ria-Vung Tau and Tien Giang. Vietnam’s Covid death toll now stands at 19,098.
On September 28, over one million doses of the Covid vaccine were administered nationwide, taking the total doses given to people in the country to 41.1 million.
In related news, up to date, Thu Duc City and eight districts in HCMC, including Phu Nhuan, Go Vap, Cu Chi, Nha Be, Can Gio, Tan Binh, 1 and 7 have been recognized as having brought the Covid-19 pandemic under control.
Chairman of District 1 Le Duc Thanh said today that the district basically controlled the pandemic. It is planning to reopen Ben Thanh Market in early October.
In another development, Haiphong City will allow multiple services and activities to resume from October 1 as the city has undergone over 40 consecutive days without new Covid-19 infections in the community.
Tourist sites and scenic spots will reopen to serve intra-provincial tourists, while lodging facilities can offer in-person catering services to their guests.
Religious sites and places of worship will reopen, but must ensure that gatherings do not exceed 20 persons at the same time, the local media reported.
Apart from allowing sports clubs, gym and yoga centers and swimming pools to reopen, the city will also allow wedding parties to be organized in a safe manner.
Public passenger transport vehicles must not use more than 50% of their seats.
Meanwhile, the city will continue to shut karaoke and massage parlors, bars, cinemas and Internet shops.
