HCMC – Although the southern province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau has reported no new locally-transmitted Covid-19 cases recently, it has decided to impose social distancing restrictions to ensure community safety by suspending nonessential services from 0:00 today, August 3.

The province has shut down all bars, dance clubs and karaoke lounges and suspended cultural and sporting activities, festivals, fairs, conventions and religious events. The local residents have been asked to avoid gatherings of more than 30 persons, keep a safe physical distance of at least two meters in public places and wear face masks while going out. Public transport operators, trade service providers, restaurants, food stalls, retailers and hotels must comply with Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures. Important political, economic and social events would require permission from the relevant agencies. Coastal districts must seek consultancy from the provincial government on whether to close the beaches and must abide by preventive measures to ensure safety for locals and tourists. The Department of Health has been asked to be prepared for large-scale Covid-19 testing and ensure sufficient medical equipment is available in case new local infections are discovered. Although there have been no new locally-transmitted Covid-19 cases in Ba Ria-Vung Tau recently, the province confirmed six imported cases on July 31, who were sailors of the Panama flag Gas Texiana vessel.