Coronavirus hotspot considers ‘green cards’ to ease measures

The authorities of Ho Chi Minh City, the largest coronavirus hotspot in Vietnam, are planning to apply “green cards” in order to ease social distancing restrictions for people who have received one or two doses of COVID-19 vaccines.

Coronavirus hotspot considers ‘green cards’ to ease measures -0

During a meeting with Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam on September 7, Phan Van Mai, head of the HCM City administration, said the city is considering applying “COVID-19 vaccine green cards”, adding that groups of healthcare experts and economists are making plans for its implementation.

HCM City has extended its shelter-in-place mandate to mid-September in a continued effort to halt the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

The city has also established a working group tasked with developing a plan for both the COVID-19 fight and economic recovery after September 15, with pandemic containment, social welfare policies, and economic development among the pillars of the plan.

To ease social distancing measures and gradually restore services, all stakeholders must feel safe, meaning they must be fully vaccinated, Mai explained the administration’s ‘green cards’ proposal.

He therefore expressed hope that the Government would provide the city with additional COVID-19 vaccines to help all residents get vaccinated against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

Dr. Nguyen Hoai Nam, deputy director of the HCM City Department of Health, said the local health sector is speeding up COVID-19 vaccination, considering this a priority along with testing.

The sector should be assured that it will be provided with a sufficient supply of vaccines to ensure everyone is fully inoculated against COVID-19, he said.

According to Nam, the city aims to raise the vaccination rate among those who receive their second shot to 50% by late September, 80% by October 15, and 100% by the end of this year.

VOV

Other News

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

Vietnam moves to adapt to rapid population ageing, expand silver economy

The International Day of Older Persons 2026, themed “The Age of Longevity: Rethinking Systems for Longer Lives,” highlights the need to develop healthcare, social security, labour-market and social-service systems in response to increasing life expectancy. For Vietnam, rapid population ageing is not only a demographic issue but also a development challenge.

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Vietnamese, Lao localities bolster Front cooperation

Both sides agreed to keep educating officials, Party members, youth union groups and the broader public, especially young people in both provinces, on the great friendship, special solidarity, comprehensive cooperation and strategic cohesion between Vietnam and Laos.

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

Urgent rescue launched for Merchant Mariner off Quang Ngai

The captain discovered water entering ballast tanks No. 4, 5 and 6 on the port side, causing the vessel to list slightly. Initial assessments indicated that the vessel may have struck an underwater rock formation while underway.

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright caught in crossfire of piracy, AI

Publishing copyright is entering an entirely new phase. As AI becomes increasingly capable of generating text, summarising books, mimicking writing styles and producing content at enormous speed, ensuring copyright protection is becoming more difficult.

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Heavy rains cause widespread damage in Phu Tho, Thanh Hoa

Prolonged heavy rains from September 13–17 have caused flooding and landslides, damaging homes, crops, roads and infrastructure in Phu Tho and Thanh Hoa provinces, with local authorities mobilising forces for emergency response.

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh police bust 38.4 million USD transnational cybercrime ring

Quang Ninh city's Public Security Department warned individuals, agencies and businesses not to publicly disclose or provide personal information or bank account details on social media, and urged organisations and businesses to strictly comply with regulations on protecting customers’ personal data.

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

Search area expanded to recover more martyrs' remains in Quang Tri

The continued recovery of martyrs’ remains provides valuable information and further evidence of those who fought and sacrificed their lives for national independence and freedom. It also encourages search teams to persist in locating fallen soldiers still lying on former battlefields, contributing to the effective implementation of the 500-day campaign and reflecting Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of gratitude.

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam to screen students nationwide for five health risks from 2028

Vietnam will launch nationwide screening for five groups of school-related diseases and health conditions among students from preschool through high school from 2028, including overweight and obesity, refractive errors, spinal curvature, oral diseases and mental health disorders.