Vietnam reports extra 11,521 COVID-19 cases, over 9,900 recoveries
 

The nation recorded a total of 11,521 new COVID-19 cases over the past 24 hours across 34 provinces and cities, along with more than 9,900 discharges, the Health Ministry reported on September 17.

Among the new cases, 15 were imported and 11,506 were local infections.

Ho Chi Minh City continues to top the list with 5,972 new infections, trailed by neighbouring Binh Duong province with 4,013, Dong Nai with 345, Long An with 273, and Kien Giang with 180.

The capital recorded 15 cases, all of which were found in areas under lockdown or linked to existing outbreaks.

Furthermore, a total of 212 fatalities were documented during the day, taking the total death toll up to 16,637 or 2.5% of the national caseload.

The same day saw the Health Ministry also announced the discharge of a further 9,914 patients, thereby sending the total number of recovered people to 433,465.

The country’s COVID-19 tally during the latest wave has now risen to 663,232 while the number of infections since the pandemic initially broke out stands at 667,650, ranking 47th of 222 countries and territories globally.

Moreover, over 33 million people have now been vaccinated at least one shot of the COVID-19 vaccine, with more than 6.1 million fully vaccinated.

With the pandemic gradually being contained, Hanoi allowed the resumption of some services, starting from midday on September 16, signaling progress in the COVID-19 fight.

There are now 19 district-level localities free of community infection cases between 6 a.m. on September 6, when the capital started applying Directive No. 20 of the municipal People’s Committee, and 6 p.m. on September 15.

These localities are now permitted to reopen some business and service establishments, starting from midday on September 16, including book and stationery stores; vehicle, electronics, refrigeration, and household appliance repair services; and takeaway food and drink services. These establishments must be closed before 9 p.m. every day.

Elsewhere, Ho Chi Minh City has also eased pandemic containment measures in specific areas from September 16 to September 30, with adjustments to suit specific districts and wards.

Residents in areas where COVID-19 has been brought under good control are now allowed to go out to buy food once per week, while COVID-19 “green card” and QR codes will be piloted in areas where the pandemic has basically been contained.