Ho Chi Minh City authorities have limited public gatherings to 10 people and asked locals to restrain from going out amid the rise of coronavirus infections.

Such measures, among others, take effect from 0:00 am on Friday until further notice, the municipal government said in its urgent dispatch on Thursday. 

This decision is aimed at preventing the complicated spread of the novel coronavirus in the city, where 36 more domestic cases were detected on Thursday, all traced to a registered religious group.

Accordingly, local authorities limit gatherings to 10 people outside of public offices, schools, and hospitals, instead of 20 in a previous order, and recommend residents to avoid going out unless really necessary. 

All agencies are required to stop unnecessary meetings and gatherings, but when necessary, a meeting may be convened for no more than 20 people in a room.

In addition to the earlier suspension of non-essential businesses, the municipal People’s Committee has shuttered spas, beauty salons, cosmetic clinics and hospitals, restaurants, tourist monuments and museums, libraries, pedestrian streets, night markets, public parks, and outdoor fitness and sports establishments.

All restaurants are allowed to sell takeout only but restaurants in hotels are permitted to service guests staying there only, as long as they ensure a two-meter distance between diners and do not serve more than 20 people at a time.

Homestay and AirBnB establishments are required not to receive new guests.

The authorities also asked places of worship to cease rites involving 10 or more people at a time.

Heads of enterprises are responsible for applying epidemic prevention and control measures, and requesting their employees to make medical declarations and restrict their travel and people-to-people contacts.

Enterprises should suspend non-urgent activities, reduce staff gatherings, and ensure a two-meter distance between people.

Any businesses failing to ensure pandemic control measures must stop operations.

Hospitals must be on high alert to prevent the virus from spreading while public transport means are generally required not to carry more than 20 passengers per trip, with face mask donning and health declaration mandatory.

The city authorities also recommend people over 60 years old to avoid going out if there is no urgent need.  

Any breach of such regulations will be given strict punishment, including revocation of business licenses, the municipal authorities insisted.

Thirty-six more domestic coronavirus cases were confirmed in Ho Chi Minh City on Thursday, all linked to Revival Ekklesia Mission, a Christian congregation based in Go Vap District.

Forty-four patients have been registered in the city during the current fourth wave, which broke out on April 27.

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