More than 8 million shots of COVID-19 vaccine have been given to people in Việt Nam as of the end of Thursday, with over 820,000 having been given two jabs, according to the health ministry on Friday.

By August 5, HCM City, the country's current COVID-19 epicentre, had given jabs to more than 2 million people, with 28.92 per cent of adults receiving at least one vaccine dose, the second highest rate in the country so far.

Bắc Ninh has administered 318,760 doses, but due to its much smaller population, the northern province, a former hot spot, has covered 32.35 per cent of its adults with at least one dose.

The capital city of Hà Nội has administered 1,198,036 doses, with 20.85 per cent of the adult population receiving at least one dose.

By July 27, five months after Việt Nam started giving COVID-19 vaccinations to its people, the number of injections exceeded 5 million; more than 6 million by July 31; and now more than 8 million.

The COVID-19 vaccine campaign is now open to all people from 18 and older.

The vaccination campaign is currently entering the fifth phase according to the Ministry of Health's plan. HCM City has completed the fifth round of vaccinations and started implementing the sixth round from August 3.

So far six vaccines have been licensed for use in Việt Nam by the Ministry of Health. Five of these have been delivered to Việt Nam (AstraZeneca, Sputnik V, Pfizer/BioNTech, Sinopharm and Moderna).

In July, Việt Nam approved Johnson & Johnson's Janssen coronavirus vaccine for emergency use but no delivery or purchase from the US group has been confirmed.

PM appoints Deputy Minister of Transport

Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Duy Lam

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has decided to appoint Nguyen Duy Lam as new Deputy Minister of Transport.

Nguyen, born in 1972 in the northern province of Thai Nguyen promoted to the new role from his previous position as Director-General of the ministry’s Engineering Construction and Traffic Management./.

Vietnam approves sustainable forestry development programme by 2025

The Vietnamese government on August 5 issued Resolution No.84/NQ-CP approving the programme on sustainable forestry development in 2021-2025.

The total capital for the programme is estimated at VND78.85 trillion ($3.43 billion), VND13.72 trillion ($596.5 million) of which comes from the state budget.

Under the programme, the forestry industry will be modernised towards sustainable forest development, forest protection, processing and trade, thus contributing to creating jobs, protecting the ecosystem, eco-diversity, increasing climate change mitigation and adaption, and protecting national defence and security.

The programme will focus on protecting the existing forest coverage in a sustainable manner and developing new areas in 2021-2025; strictly managing the transfer of forest use into other purposes, maintainng stably the national forest coverage at 42 per cent; while increasing productivity and forest quality to meet demands of materials for production and protection and environment protection, and to preserving biodiversity.

The programme specifically aims to increase the growth rate of forestry production value by 5.0-5.5 per cent annually and the export of woodwork and other related to about $20 billion in 2025, while increasing deep processing and export of high-value woodwork and forest products.

The country will support woodwork and forest product processing activities in line with the policies on encouraging businesses to invest in rural development and prevailing rules.

Northern heatwave to last until August 10

The northern and central regions are facing a severe heatwave which is forecast to last until August 10.

According to the National Centre for Hydrometeorological Forecasting, the temperature on August 5 in the northern region and north-central coast were 35-39 degrees with 45-60% of humidity. Due to the foehn winds, the temperatures continue to stay high the following day. The regions will have 10-18 hours of over 35 degrees and 45-60% of humidity.

In Hanoi, the temperatures on August 6 were around 36-38 degrees. The heatwave in the northern region will last until August 9. The temperature will start to go down from August 10.

However, the heatwave in the central region will go on for some more days.

Because of the heatwave and foehn winds, warnings over residential fires have been raised, especially when demands for electricity are increasing. Warnings over wildfires were raised in the central region. The heatwave may also cause dehydration and heat shock.

Hanoi farm produce transhipment spots proposed

The Hanoi Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has proposed the establishment of transshipment spots to reduce the pressure on local wholesales markets.

The recommendation was made after several markets, including Long Bien wholesale market, and many supermarkets and convenience stores were temporarily closed due to Covid-19 locations. This has partially affected the farm produce supply for the city.

Under the proposal sent to the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, the city should use Yen Nghia Station in Ha Dong District, a stadium in Thanh Tri District, a stadium in Hoai Duc District and several others in Gia Lam District as goods transhipment centres.

The department has also suggested using the Ministry of Agriculture and Development’s Trade Promotion Centre in Cau Giay District for this purpose.

According to the department, districts in Hanoi need to conduct Covid-19 vaccination for agriculture staff.

The Hanoi Department of Transport has been asked to create favourable conditions for vehicles transporting agricultural products to enter the city. 

Young Scientists Conference 2021 attract university students

As many as 500 local and foreign delegates attended the Young Scientists Conference 2021 held virtually on August 6 by the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, to promote young innovations in the Industry 4.0 era.

Organisers chose 24 out of 774 reports to be presented at the conference, including those sent from China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Romania, Russia, the United States, and Taiwan. Another 50 reports were selected for an exhibition as part of the conference.

The reports primarily focus on science and technology development in fields such as economics, biochemistry, electronics, and mechanics.

The conference aims to provide a platform for young students and scientists in which they can exchange and share their experiences in developing scientific and technological products in daily life.

The annual conference has been organised by the Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City since 2019.

This year marks the first time that the event, the largest of its kind, has been held through an online format.

AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 draw postponed due to COVID-19

The draw for the upcoming AFF Suzuki Cup 2020 will be postponed because of the disruptive impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the region, the ASEAN Football Federation (AFF) have confirmed.

The draw had been scheduled to take place in Singapore on August 10. However, due to the fresh coronavirus outbreak in the host country, it has been delayed, with the date for the new draw set to be announced in due course.

The regional tournament was originally set to take place in December 2020, but it was delayed amid COVID-19 fears.

It was subsequently postponed until December 5, with the plan for it to finish on January 1, 2022.

A total of 10 teams will be divided into two groups for the competition. Vietnam are drawn in seed group one alongside Thailand.

The Vietnamese team do have history in the competition, winning the 2018 AFF Suzuki Cup after defeating Malaysia in the final.

HCM City completes disbursement of first support package for COVID-19-hit people

Ho Chi Minh City's Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs on August 6 announced that the city has basically completed the disbursement of the first support package for COVID-19-hit people, with over 611 billion VND (26.56 million USD) given to more than 391,020 local residents.

Of the total, nearly 500 billion VND was used to assist 311,619 workers without labour contracts (freelancers) who lost their jobs, reaching 100 percent, while over 11.2 billion VND was offered to 5,603 business households whose operations have been suspended (100 percent), and over 17.1 billion VND was provided to more than 11,400 traders in traditional markets (more than 88.6 percent).

Localities across the city has supported 44,244 labourers having their contracts temporary suspended or on unpaid leave with nearly 84 billion VND, while giving nearly 400 million VND to labourers with terminated contracts but are not eligible for unemployment benefits, reaching 15.7 percent.

Explaining the low rate of support disbursement to some groups, a representative from the department said that many people are undertaking quarantine or left the city, making it impossible to deliver the aid to them.

According to Vice Chairman of them municipal People’s Committee Duong Anh Duc, the city has approved a second support package worth more than 900 billion VND, with each freelancer and poor household receiving 1.5 million VND in cash.

The second package targets 604,500 people in three groups, with 501 billion VND expected to be provided for freelancers losing jobs.

Duc added that in reality, the number of poor and near-poor households living in the city may be higher than statistics, but all these families will receive support./.

PM orders further COVID-19 vaccine allocation to southern localities

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has asked the Ministry of Health (MoH) to promptly allocate more COVID-19 vaccines to Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces, which are the country’s current largest hotspots.

The MoH is also ordered to build plans for the distribution of the next vaccine batches and urge relevant agencies to speed up vaccination pace.

In a bid for HCM City and adjacent localities to reach herd immunity in the fastest time possible, Deputy PM Vu Duc Dam, head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, requested authorities of HCM City and its neighbouring provinces of Binh Duong, Dong Nai and Long An take the initiative in working with the Health Ministry to adjust the vaccine administration procedures in tandem with requirements and current situations, as well as devise vaccination plans and report the vaccine demand based on the plans to the Ministry.

The MoH is responsible for the vaccine distribution to ensure supply based on requests of the People’s Committees of HCM City and the provinces./.

Grab lobbies to join Covid-19 patient and equipment service

Grab is seeking approval from HCM City authorities to participate in transporting Covid-19 patients and medical equipment.

Under the proposal sent to the HCM departments of health and transport, Grab said that the firm wanted to use cars to carry Covid-19 patients and other people to medical facilities (Grab Emergency). GrabCar service will also be used for transporting medical equipment to quarantined and sealed-off areas and field hospitals (Grab Medical Health).

All drivers who drive these cars would be vaccinated against Covid-19. The entire cost for the operation of the fleet would be paid by the firm.

According to Grab, the two services could be conducted in districts 12, 7, Go Vap, Binh Thanh and Thu Duc first. They would also cover areas requested by the departments of health and transport.

Once approved, Grab would arrange 100 cars. This figure could be higher if requested.

The plan is divided into two phases. In the first phase scheduled from August 15 to September 1, Grab would operate the Grab Emergency service. The firm would also run both Grab Emergency and Grab Medical Health services from September 1.

Đà Nẵng bridges closed amid tightening COVID-19 travel restrictions

The central city’s People's Committee has closed two bridges – the Hàn River Swing and Thuận Phước – to limit travel between downtown Đà Nẵng and the Sơn Trà peninsula as 45 out of the 77 infections found on Thursday were in Sơn Trà.

The city’s Centre for Disease Control (CDC) said Thọ Quang fishing port in the Sơn Trà peninsula has become a hotspot for coronavirus infections as the number of positive cases in the district accounted for 50 per cent of the city’s total infections since July 28.

In supporting people in lockdown zones in the district, the city’s People’s Committee has allocated an allowance of nearly VNĐ100 billion (US$4.4 million) for 160,000 local residents living in the high-risk areas. This equates to assistance of VNĐ40,000 per person, per day.

Different community-based voluntary teams have been assigned to help local residents to buy essential goods and food taking orders every three days during the lockdown.

The city has asked power and clean water supply companies to delay fee collection from lock-down zones as well as to improve banking services in coronavirus hit areas.

Chairman of the Sơn Trà district’s People’s Committee, Hoàng Sơn Trà said a logistic team had been assigned to provide food and necessities for families with small children, pregnant mothers and people with disabilities.

Mass testing programmes have been undertaken in high-risk areas including traditional markets, apartments and fishing trade agents to eliminate possible infections in the community from unknown sources.

Following a decision after a meeting on Thursday, the city will begin home quarantine for close contacts of people who have finished a seven-day quarantine at a mass centre with three negative test results in the districts of Hòa Vang and Ngũ Hành Sơn. 

The deputy director of the city’s CDC, Dr Nguyễn Hòa said only certain accommodations would be used such as apartments or private houses for the first 10 people who began their home quarantine in Hòa Vang district on Thursday.

He said more than 1,000 SARS-COV-2 infection cases across 18 hotspots had been recorded in Đà Nẵng since July 10. Thọ Quang fishing port had the most with 535 cases.

The CDC also warned that Hòa Cầm Industrial Zone was shaping up to be another hotspot as a new infection case (F0) was found at Fujikura Automotive company followed by six others that tested positive with SARS-COV-2 in pool tests on Thursday.

It said 3,349 people were recorded as close contacts (F1), while 5,254 cases were indirect contacts (F2).

Art programmes planned to encourage people’s spirit amid pandemic

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism has announced a plan to hold art programmes which aims to encourage the people to surmount the COVID-19 pandemic.

The shows will be broadcast on both television channels and digital platforms.

The plan is hoped to liven up people’s spirit amid complex developments of COVID-19, develop traditional cultural values of Vietnam and call for artists’ creativity, devotion and passion in making new works encouraging the fight against the pandemic, thus sending messages of patriotism.

The organisation of the programmes must strictly comply with regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control.

As social distancing measures have been in place in many localities nationwide, the ministry previously held a number of programmes to motivate citizens as well as frontline workers.

VND1 trillion from second COVID-19 relief package disbursed

Hundreds of thousands of freelance workers and employees who lost their jobs due to the economic impact of COVID-19 have now received over VND1 trillion from Vietnam’s second relief package.

As much as 1,037 billion has been disbursed to support 838,000 workers from 37 cities and provinces, mostly in the south, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MOLISA).

MOLISA Minister Dao Ngoc Dung said migrant workers, including lottery sellers and street vendors, are among those most vulnerable to COVID-19, and it is very difficult to carry out aid policy for this group of beneficiaries.

However, he assured that his ministry has requested localities to simplify procedures to ensure all people in need, including migrant workers, enjoy the State policy.

In early July the Government approved a resolution to implement a VND26,000 billion relief package for people affected by the fresh coronavirus outbreak that started in April 2021.

Last year, the Government also endorsed a similar package worth VND62,000 billion to support businesses and people in cushioning the impact of COVID-19.

Vietnam is battling with the fourth coronavirus outbreak, with the virus spreading to almost all 63 cities and provinces across the country and more than 180,000 cases recorded.

Treatment areas set up for pregnant women with COVID-19 in HCM City

A pregnant woman with COVID-19 is being treated at the Hung Vuong Hospital.

Ho Chi Minh City has set up treatment areas exclusively for pregnant women with COVID-19 given a surge in daily cases.

The Hung Vuong Hospital and the Tu Du Hospital, the two largest maternity facilities in the city, have been assigned with this task.

Up to 120 women who get infected with the coronavirus during pregnancy have been admitted to the Hung Vuong Hospital over the past week, said Director Hoang Thi Diem Tuyet.

Meanwhile, with 150 beds, the Tu Du Hospital is treating more than 70 COVID-19 patients who are pregnant women and those with gynecological diseases.

Doctors from the two hospitals have also coordinated with their colleagues in other hospitals to conduct surgeries for pregnant women with COVID-19./.

National water resources inventory to be carried out

An inventory of water resources on inter-provincial river basins and national will be implemented for the first time under a project which has just been approved by Deputy Prime Minister Le Van Thanh.

The National Water Resources Inventory project, to be carried out in the next five years, will provide data on water resources, exploitation and use of water as well as discharge of wastewater for the State management, planning, and allocation of water resources. 

It will serve as a basis for completing policies and laws on water resources, adjusting strategies and plans on exploitation, use, and protection of these resources towards ensuring water security, socio-economic development and national digital transformation.

The inventory aims to obtain the first inventory indicators of water resources, water exploitation and use, and discharge of wastewater including the amount of surface water, the quality of surface and underground water, the exploitation and use of surface water, and the use of sea water. It will develop software to manage, update and exploit national water resource inventory data and publicise the results of the inventory of water resources on inter-provincial river basins and nationwide.

To realise the target, a detailed plan to carry out the inventory will be set forth, ensuring feasibility, efficiency and synchronization, and avoiding a waste of resources.

Software for managing, updating, and exploiting water resource inventory data will also be created to connect inventory data with the national database of the natural resources and environment sector and digital transformation./.

Drawing contest about Hanoi launched

Young artists will have an opportunity to show their talents and creativity through a drawing contest about Hanoi.

The contest will last from August 6 to September 9, aiming to promote the title "Hanoi - Creative City" awarded by UNESCO in 2019.

It is organised by United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation  (UNESCO), the United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN-Habitat), and the Vietnam Institute of Culture and Arts Studies (VICAS) with the companionship of the Vietnam Local Artist Group (VLAG).

The contest is part of the Hanoi Rethink project initiated by UNESCO, UN-Habitat, and the UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO), with the support of SOVICO Group, to realise the city's commitments when joining the UNESCO Creative Cities Network. 

According to UNESCO, the COVID-19 pandemic may limit the movement of people, but it cannot stop the flow of creativity. The drawing contest about Hanoi welcomes unique ideas from different visual arts forms such as painting, drawing and design.  Entrants can freely express a Hanoi behind their artistic lens and emotions.

The winner will be awarded a cash prize of 10 million VND (438 USD). There will be four co-winners for second place, one voting prize and 24 prizes for outstanding works./.

Private health facilities join the fight against COVID-19 in HCM City

At 11pm on July 26, Trần Văn Dương, the director of Sài Gòn Medical Clinic in HCM City’s Bình Chánh District, and his staff transported several COVID-19 patients to field hospital No.11 in Thủ Đức city.

“Transporting is carried out day and night. Whenever we get calls from health centres, we immediately go on duty,” Dr Dương said.

For several months, Dương and his staff have stayed at the medical clinic to be ready to transport and provide medical assistance to COVID-19 patients at home.

Recognising the shortage of ambulances, Dương contacted the city Department of Health to ask for permission to volunteer in the fight against COVID-19.

The clinic staff work in two teams during day and night shifts to transport and provide oxygen cylinders and provide first aid as well as other online medical consultancies to COVID-19 patients isolated at home.

“In the beginning, we took COVID-19 patients including children to hospitals. I was moved when I saw a father holding his 6-month-old baby,” Dương said. “When several patients called to ask for help at 1am or 2am, I immediately brought oxygen cylinders to their home and showed them how to use them. The next day, their family called me to say that their health was more stable. Hearing this good news, I felt happy."

Dương has been receiving more calls from health centres and relatives of COVID-19 patients.

“On the Facebook group, I wrote that I was ready to provide medical assistance to COVID-19 patients. Nearly 20 people called me to double check because they did not believe that I was a doctor. I had to try to convince them that I was a real doctor,” Dương said.

“The emotion between people can be seen. Any death is a big loss. Although the risk of contracting COVID-19 is high, we are not afraid. We hope people in the city strictly comply with regulations so that the city can return to so-called normal life,” Dương said.

Nguyễn Thị Kim Yến, of the Sài Gòn Medical Clinic’s staff, has also joined the team to transport COVID-19 patients to hospitals. Yến is in charge of helping the patients get into and out of the ambulance, and also provides other aid.

“In the last month and a half, I have gone home only one time, to put powdered milk in front of my home because I do not dare hold my 4-year-old son. I am working in an environment with high transmission risk. My son and I only talk on the phone. He said to me once that mommy has joined the fight against COVID-19,” she said.

The Nhất Tâm Charity non-profit organisation and Apollo Silicone Joint Stock Company have also set up volunteer teams and ambulances to transport COVID-19 patients to hospitals.

Speaking at a press meeting on Tuesday, Nguyễn Hoài Nam, deputy head of the city Department of Health, emphasised the importance of timely transportation of COVID-19 patients from their homes to hospitals or between hospitals.

Asymptomatic COVID-19 patients isolated at home who become worse should be transported rapidly to hospitals, he said.

The city Health Department and 115 Emergency Aid Centre have encouraged private health facilities and others to use their ambulances to transport COVID-19 patients.

Public health facilities have a total of 85 ambulances, while the city has nearly 120 ambulances, some of which have been donated by companies. In the next two weeks, the number is expected to increase by 100.

The city is changing the function of 200 taxis to be used as ambulances to meet demand. About 400 oxygen cylinders have been donated and will be stored in the taxis, according to Nam.

Fifteen coaches have also been converted to transport COVID-19 patients and sent to districts and Thủ Đức city to use.

To have enough ambulance drivers, the 115 Emergency Aid Centre is seeking volunteers with a B2 driving licence.

Nguyễn Hoài Linh, 28, a teacher at Võ Thị Sáu High School in Bình Thạnh District, has registered to become a volunteer driver. Linh is trained in disease prevention and control, and how to wear protective clothing and disinfect ambulances.

“I comply with regulations to protect myself. I try to take COVID-19 patients to hospitals as soon as possible. The patients thank me. I hope I can contribute a small part to help the city control the outbreak,” Linh said.

Private health centres

Sài Gòn Medical Clinic is one of the first private health facilities in the city to work along with public clinics in the fight against COVID-19 and share the burden of transporting COVID-19 patients to hospitals.

Because of the increase in COVID-19 patients, the Ministry of Health on July 24 called on all public and private health facilities as well as retired doctors to join the fight.

On August 1, Minister of Health Nguyễn Thanh Long checked the operation of an intensive care centre for severe COVID-19 cases, saying that the city needed assistance from private health clinics.

Private hospitals joining the fight in the city include Hoàn Mỹ Thủ Đức International General Hospital in Thủ Đức city, Triều An Hospital and City International Hospital in Bình Tân District, Xuyên Á Hospital in Củ Chi District and Nam Sài Gòn General Hospital in District 7.

These hospitals admit COVID-19 patients at the third level of the five-level treatment model, which means they are moderate cases with underlying medical conditions that need to be treated.

The Hoàn Mỹ Thủ Đức International General Hospital on Monday (August 2) began admitting COVID-19 patients after one week of preparation. The hospital meets the criteria on medical equipment and facilities of a COVID-19 treatment hospital.

In the first phase, 100 beds on the second to fourth floors are being used. The number of beds will increase to 200 in the second phase.

Dr Nguyễn Tuấn, the hospital’s director, said: “Hoàn Mỹ’s health workers are ready to help frontline forces protect the health and life of the whole community.”

On August 1, the City International Hospital opened a treatment centre on the fifth floor, in collaboration with the HCM City University Medical Center.

The 50-bed centre has a separate pathway to ensure safety for areas serving patients with other diseases at the hospital.

Previously, the fifth floor was used as an isolation area for people who were suspected of contracting COVID-19. The hospital plans to use the sixth floor, which is under construction, to treat COVID-19 patients if necessary.

It began admitting COVID-19 patients on Tuesday.

Triều An Hospital has set aside 100 beds to treat COVID-19 patients in a separate area. Xuyên Á Hospital also has a separate facility with 125 beds to serve COVID-19 patients.

In a related matter, the vice chairman of People’s Committee, Dương Anh Đức, said that private health facilities have also assigned staff to help speed up the city’s vaccination drive.

Film screening for national holidays must comply with COVID-19 regulations: Ministry

A Vietnamese film screening programme will be held nationwide during the holidays celebrating the 76th August Revolution on August 19 and National Day on September 2.

The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) has issued a decision on the film screening programme advising that it must fully comply with regulations on COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control.

It says the event should only be carried out in localities if the COVID-19 pandemic is under control.

The ministry has assigned the Cinema Department to assume responsibility for the event and to coordinate with the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio, a one-member Ltd. Company; the Vietnam Animation Studio Joint Stock Company; the Giải Phóng and Diệp Cơ entertainment companies; departments of culture, information, sports and tourism; and centres of culture and art; cinemas and film distributors at all levels from central cities to the provinces to organise the nationwide programme from August 19 to September 5, 2021.

Four highlighted films have been selected to be screened during the national occasions including Hạnh Phúc Của Mẹ (Mother's Happiness) - a feature produced by Diệp Cơ Entertainment Co., Ltd; Chung một cội nguồn (The Same Origin) - a documentary film by the Central Documentary and Scientific Film Studio Co., Ltd; Sắc Xuân Trên Thổ Cẩm (Spring on Brocade) by the Giải Phóng Film Joint Stock Company; and Người Thầy Muôn Đời (Teacher) - an animated film by Việt Nam Animation Studio Joint Stock Company.

"In cases where the programme cannot be held in localities, the cinema units should show these films at the next available time," according to the culture ministry.

Similar programmes celebrating film have been organised across the country every year for the past several years.

Last year, five Vietnamese films were chosen to be screened for free to celebrate the 75th August Revolution and National Day holidays.

The highlight of the event was the animated film Tắc Kè Phá Án (Chameleon Solves Thief Case) produced by the Vietnam Animation Studio.

The film was nominated for best animation at the 21st Việt Nam Film Festival organised by the Cinema Department in Bà Rịa - Vũng Tàu Province in 2019.

Closed markets for Covid-19 infectious cases to be resumed

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has just proposed the People’s Committees of provinces and cities under the central authority to consider the reopening of closed traditional markets linked to the Covid-19 infectious cases under the necessary condition of all traders must get at least one shot of vaccine.

The markets will be resumed if both management boards and small traders strictly comply with Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control measures, follow the Health Ministry's 5K message featuring khau trang (face masks), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distancing), khong tu tap (no gatherings) and khai bao y te (health declarations) during trading between buyers and sellers.

It is necessary to make medical declarations via QR Code and check the temperature for all people before entering the markets.

Business households are allowed to trade in essential goods according to the regulations.

Vietnamese, Chilean Parties beef up cooperation

The Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the Communist Party of Chile exchanged information and experience in different spheres at an online workshop on August 6.

Head of the CPV Central Committee’s Commission for External Relations Le Hoai Trung briefed the Chilean side on the outcome of the 13th National Party Congress and the country’s development targets by 2030 with a vision towards 2045.

He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, and the diversification and multilateralisation of foreign relations.

The CPV always wishes to boost and deepen the solidarity and traditional friendship with the Communist Party of Chile as well as other political Parties in the country, Trung said.

Claudio de Negri, Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Chile and head of the committee’s Commission for External Relations, expressed his hope that under the sound leadership of the CPV, headed by General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, Vietnamese people will successfully implement the Resolution adopted at the 13th National Party Congress.

The Communist Party of Chile, progressive forces and people in the Latin American country always attach importance and wish to enhance the traditional friendship and cooperation with the Vietnamese Party and people, he said.

The two sides shared experience in Party building, democracy practice, socio-economic development and international integration, and proposed specific measures to foster their ties in the time to come./.

Vietnamese, Cambodian state audit agencies discuss cooperation

State Auditor General of Vietnam Tran Sy Thanh held online talks with his Cambodian counterpart Som Kim Suor on August 6 to discuss bilateral cooperation between the two agencies.

At the meeting, the two sides agreed to jointly review and evaluate results of implementing the agreement on exchange and cooperation between the agencies signed in 2008. Based on the assessment, measures will be put forth to improve the quality and effectiveness for their collaboration bilaterally and multilaterally in the future.

Accordingly, they will increase delegation exchanges, discuss experiences and professional knowledge regarding matters of common interest, and step up human resources training.

Thanh took the occasion to thanks valuable support of the Cambodian National Audit Authority for the State Audit of Vietnam (SAV) at bilateral and multilateral collaboration forums. He lauded the Cambodian side’s active contributions as a pillar in the triangle cooperation among Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam.

Speaking highly of effective joint works between the sides in the past time, he hoped to foster the ties toward effectiveness and practical outcomes in line with current demand.

Som Kim Suor expressed her gratitude for the assistance from the SAV and the Vietnamese people for Cambodia so far, particularly amid COVID-19.

A cooperation agreement between the two agencies is expected to be signed in June 2022 on the occasion of the 55th anniversary of Vietnam – Cambodia diplomatic relations./.

Webinar looks back on 45-year-old Vietnam-Thailand relations

A webinar titled “The 45th Anniversary of Vietnam-Thailand Relations: Taking Stock and Moving Forward” was organised on August 6 on the occasion of the anniversary.

The webinar was jointly held by the Institute of Security and International Studies under Thailand’s Chulalongkorn University and the Centre for Southeast Asian Studies under the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences.

At the event, scholars focused discussions on Vietnam-Thailand cooperation in all fields of politics - security, economy, trade, investment, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as their close cooperation and mutual support at multilateral mechanisms and in regional and international issues of mutual concern.

They agreed that there are good prospects for economic and political collaboration, connectivity, labour, and climate change response between the two countries.

Addressing the webinar, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh affirmed that in recent years, the bilateral relationship has continuously developed in all fields. The two sides established a strategic partnership in 2013 and elevated it to an enhanced strategic partnership in 2019. The two countries have also agreed to increase high-level visits and consultations through existing bilateral mechanisms, such as the Political Consultative Group (PCG), the Joint Commission on Bilateral Cooperation (JCBC) and the Joint Cabinet Retreat (JCR).

In 2020, amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, the bilateral trade turnover still reached 16 billion USD, with Thailand currently being Vietnam's largest trading partner in ASEAN. The two sides set a target to increase two-way trade to 25 billion USD by 2025. Thailand is one of the top ten foreign investors in Vietnam with over 12.3 billion USD.

Regarding regional and global security and development issues, participants suggested the two countries continue to work with other countries in the region to maintain peace, stability and security in the East Sea, address differences and disputes through international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS)./.

Communist Party of Britain member praises Vietnam's innovative path in socialist construction

The Communist Party of Vietnam has not only embraced the principles of Marxism-Leninism, but from Ho Chi Minh onward, has successfully applied it to the realities of Vietnamese society and to enhance Vietnam’s place in the world.

This is the statement made by Kenny Coyle, member of the International Commission of the Communist Party of Britain.

According to Coyle, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee Nguyen Phu Trong’s article entitled "A number of theoretical and practical issues on socialism and the path towards socialism in Vietnam" offers some fascinating answers to the success of Vietnam and outlines the tremendous vitality of modern Vietnam.

He said the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) has resisted both dogmatic approaches to Marxism, which fail to take into account ever-changing conditions, and also various anti-socialist ideologies which would trap Vietnam within a neo-colonial network.

He pointed out the process of “Doi Moi” (Renewal), with the creation of a socialist-oriented market economy, has allowed the CPV to successfully avoid stagnation and chart a new and innovative path in socialist construction. Since the initiation of the “Doi Moi” reforms in 1986, Vietnam has achieved stunning progress in raising the living standards of the Vietnamese people.

Having visited Vietnam more than six times between 2000 and 2019, Coyle said he has seen for himself the rapid modernisation of the country.

He added that the struggle of the Vietnamese people for national liberation and socialism has always been an inspiration for British communists, saying despite the devastation created by the American War, the country’s heroic people went on to build a re-united Vietnam following their victory in 1975.

He pointed to the role of the Vietnamese communists in this struggle, which enabled a small country dominated by foreign colonialism and imperialism, and destroyed by war, to manage not only to survive against all the odds but to enter a period of stability and prosperity.

Coyle concluded that the CPV’s theoretical and practical contributions to the building of socialism should be studied by all those interested in the further development of Marxism, the stages of socialist transition, and the renewed opportunities for socialism worldwide./.

Bilingual book highlighting Vietnam-Thailand ties debuts

A book in both Vietnamese and Thai languages highlighting the 45th founding anniversary of the Vietnam-Thailand diplomatic ties (August 6, 1976 - 2021) made its debut on August 6 . 

The bilingual book was jointly compiled by Dr Truong Thi Hang, a lecturer at Thailand’s Lampang Rajabhat University and Dr Nakorn Serirak, a lecturer at the College of Local Administration of the Khon Kaen University.

It comprises three parts which introduce the countries’ relations before and after 1976 and highlight diplomacy dialogue, a prominent trend in the Vietnam-Thailand ties.

Speaking with the Vietnam News Agency’s correspondent, Hang hoped that the publication will help people of Vietnam and Thailand, especially the young generation, understand more about the bilateral relations between the two countries with over 800 years of history, thereby strengthening the Vietnam-Thailand ties in the future.

The authors expressed their hope that the countries will obtain more achievements in the coming time and their cooperation and friendship will continue to develop in a sustainable manner./.

Pandemic-hit labourers, businesses get timely support

Vietnamese ministries, sectors and localities have proactively carried out 12 policies in support of employees and employers who are facing difficulties due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs (MoLISA).

As of August 4, the social insurance agency had reviewed and informed around 375,000 employers with nearly 11.2 million employees about a decrease in the insurance premium for occupational accidents and diseases from July 2021 to the end of June 2022 with a total amount of about 4.3 trillion VND (187.5 million USD).

At the same time, 22 provinces and cities have implemented the policy of suspending contributions to the Retirement and Survivorship Fund of 136 employers with 17,657 employees, with a total amount of over 108 billion VND.

To date, 21 provinces and cities have paid nearly 48,000 labourers who have their work contracts suspended or have to take no-pay leave with a total support budget of nearly 98.3 billion VND.

A total of 1,122 workers who are forced to stop working in six provinces and cities have also received support with a total budget of over 1.4 billion VND.

As of August 4, over 7,100 business households affected by the pandemic had received a total amount of nearly 15.8 billion VND in support.

The MoLISA said that it is urging People’s Committees of provinces and cities to direct departments and local People’s Committees to make lists of people and businesses in need to help them get timely assistance./.

Vietnam, China’s border provinces intensify cooperation in illegal migration control

Border provinces of Vietnam and China on August 5 agreed to further step up cooperation in verifying and returning illegal migrants during their talks held at Quang Ninh’s Mong Cai International Border Gate.

Border guard commands of the four northern provinces of Quang Ninh, Lang Son, Cao Bang and Ha Giang, which border China’s Guangxi, met with the Chinese province’s border control force to discuss ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19, strengthen immigration supervision and control, combat cross-border crimes and illegal immigration, and intensify border patrol, given that both countries are battling the rapidly-evolving COVID-19 resurgence.

Since the outset of the pandemic early last year, the two sides have flexibly and effectively maintained information exchange and coordination though restrictions induced by COVID-19 forced them to restrain from direct meetings and cancel scheduled cooperation and friendly exchange activities.

The two sides have conducted three joint border patrols, arrested 149 illegal migration brokers who had arranged illegal entries and exits for 347 nationals of both sides, and caught nearly 11,000 people unlawfully entering Vietnam.

They have also arrested 48 drug smugglers, seizing 273kg of synthetic drugs and over 5.4kg of heroin, contributing to maintaining order, security and safety in the shared border areas and building a shared border of peace, friendship, stability and development.

Additionally, the two sides have closely worked together to facilitate the entry of Chinese diplomats, experts, investors and skilled workers into Vietnam, as well as cross-border trade, particularly shipments of Vietnamese agricultural products to China./.

28th ASEAN Regional Forum spotlights dialogue, responsibility, cooperation goodwill

The 28th ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF-28) took place virtually on August 6 as part of the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting (AMM 54) and Related Meetings.

Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son led the Vietnamese delegation to the forum, which gathered representatives from 27 countries.

Exchanging views on the ARF’s future direction, participating countries reaffirmed the importance of the ARF as a leading forum for promoting dialogue and constructive cooperation regarding security issues in the region. They supported the ARF in enhancing its actions and continuing to play an important role in the regional architecture with ASEAN at the center.

The meeting approved 38 activities for 2021-2022 in such areas as peacekeeping, marine waste, the law of the sea and fisheries, and ferry traffic safety. In particular, Vietnam will co-chair some of them, including those on strengthening cooperation on law enforcement at sea; security and safety standards in the use of nuclear energy; and disease response and recovery.

On international and regional issues, the forum shared a common perception on the importance of peace, security, stability, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea.

Participating foreign ministers reaffirmed the principles of settling disputes in the waters by peaceful measures and self-restraint, as well as upholding international law.

They underscored the full implementation of the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and welcomed new progress in building an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Speaking at the meeting, Son said over the past three decades, ARF has proven its values and strength in promoting dialogues, cooperation and trust building in the region.

Expressing his concern over socio-economic impacts caused by COVID-19, the minister called for joint efforts against the pandemic, and suggested partners in ARF, especially countries that are taking the lead in vaccine production, continue their cooperation with ASEAN to ensure fair and equitable vaccine access and facilitate the transfer of vaccine production technology.

For the East Sea issue, he reiterated the principle stance of ASEAN and Vietnam, and stressed the significance of promoting trust, exercising restraint, and taking no actions that would complicate the situation and harm the maritime environment.

Disputes and differences should be resolved through peaceful measures in line with international law and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), he said.

The minister affirmed that Vietnam will actively work with other ASEAN member countries and China to build an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

At the end of the event, countries adopted a statement on promoting the youth, peace and security agenda./.

Vietnam attends ASEAN-EU Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

Vietnamese Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son on August 6 took part in the virtual ASEAN-EU Foreign Ministers' Meeting as part of the 54th ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting and related meetings.

Foreign Ministers of ASEAN countries, Vice President of the European Commission and High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles and ASEAN Secretary-General Dato Lim Jock Hoi attended the meeting.

Participating countries welcomed ASEAN and the EU officially upgrading their relations to a strategic partnership, affirming their strong commitment to promoting cooperation on the basis of sharing common values, principles and interests, upholding multilateral cooperation and promoting a rules-based international order, thus making positive contributions to peace, stability and prosperity. ASEAN agreed with the EU's proposal to hold the 45th ASEAN-EU Commemorative Summit in Brussels, Belgium in 2022.

On behalf of ASEAN, Foreign Minister Vivian Balakrishnan of Singapore, as coordinator of ASEAN-EU relations, affirmed that the EU has always been an important partner of ASEAN and welcomed the positive progress in cooperation between the two sides over the past time. The EU is the second largest investor in ASEAN with a total capital of 7.6 billion USD and a major trade partner with a total turnover of 258 billion USD in 2020.

ASEAN countries appreciated the EU’s implementation of the 800 million EUR Team Europe programme to support ASEAN in disease prevention and the 20 million EUR "Pandemic Preparedness in Southeast Asia" programme. They also asked the EU to continue to support ASEAN's COVID-19 prevention and control initiatives as well as coordinate to ensure access, supply, research and development of vaccines in a safe, equitable and effective manner in the region.

Regarding regional and international issues, ASEAN and EU countries shared the view on the significance of peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea.

They showed their support for dialogue, building trust, exercising restraint, and taking no actions that would complicate the situation or escalate disputes and no militarisation, as well as settling disputes through peaceful measures, in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).

The countries also backed efforts to resume negotiations towards an effective and efficient Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

In his remarks, Son emphasised the importance of the ASEAN-EU strategic partnership, which, he said, has significantly contributed to efforts to promote multilateral cooperation and regional connectivity.

He also lauded the EU’s important role in global efforts in disease combat, technological application, innovation, and promotion of multilateral trade, economic recovery and climate change response.

He suggested the EU help ASEAN access COVID-19 vaccines in a timely fashion, consider transferring vaccine production technology to the grouping, and assist ASEAN to improve its vaccine self-sufficiency.

As ASEAN’s leading economic partner, the EU should enhance its coordination with the bloc to ensure the stability of supply chain connectivity, and facilitate two-way trade and investment, the minister said.

He also proposed the EU take into account the building of a free trade agreement with ASEAN on the basis of FTAs between the EU and some ASEAN member countries, including Vietnam.

The 1982 UNCLOS serves as a legal foundation governing all activities at seas and oceans, he said, stressing that rights and legitimate interests of coastal countries defined in the document must be respected.

At the end of the meeting, the Philippines officially took over the role of coordinator of ASEAN-EU relations during the 2021-2024 period./.

NA plays important role in realising SDGs: official

Head of the National Assembly (NA) Committee for External Relations Vu Hai Ha had an online meeting with United Nations (UN) Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) Armida Salsiah Alisjabana on August 5 to discuss measures to bolster cooperation in implementing Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Vietnam.

At the meeting, Ha said that the NA has played an important role in promoting the implementation of the SDGs by adopting laws and national strategies as well as budget allocation for development programmes related to the SDGs, while verifying and ratifying international conventions on human rights and socio-economic matters.

He underscored that Vietnam coordinated with the International Parliamentary Union (IPU) to adopt the Hanoi Declaration 2015 with the theme “The Sustainable Development Goals: Turning Words into Action,” and organise many meetings and conferences on sustainable development.

Briefing the UN official on Vietnam’s situation and progress of SDGs, Ha said that despite adverse impacts of COVID-19, Vietnam has successfully organised a number of important political events to complete its leadership structure and sketch out future development orientations.

Vietnam has completed 16 out of 17 general targets and 115 out of 169 detail goals, he said, adding that Vietnam has issued a roadmap for the implementation of the SDGs to 2030.

Currently, the country is implementing the “twin targets” of preventing and controlling COVID-19 and boosting economic recovery and development at the same time, ensuring people’s livelihood and social security, he said.

He noted that last year, Vietnam was among a few countries with positive growth and is forecast to continue to enjoy 6-6.5% of expansion in 2021. However, since late April, the country has been hit hard by the fourth COVID-19 wave of outbreaks due to the fast spreading of Delta variant, he added.

Ha said that the Prime Minister has issued a national Action Plan to realise the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, with specific targets and tasks as well as responsibility for particular ministries, sectors, agencies and localities.

He proposed that the UN and the UNESCAP give more support to Vietnam in holding meetings, conferences as well as personnel training to enhance the capacity of lawmakers and NA agencies in law-making and supervision over the implementation of SDGs, thus optimising the NA role in the process.

For her part, Armida Salsiah Alisjabana lauded the role and efforts of the Vietnamese NA in promoting the implementation of SDGs, affirming the UNESCAP's commitments to assisting Vietnam and the NA in realising the goals.

Underscoring that COVID-19 is threatening the completion of the SDGs in Asia-Pacific region, she asked the Vietnamese NA to promote its role as an active member of the IPU bodies and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), thus connecting parliaments in hastening and supervising the process, ensuring the effective implementation of policies regarding SDGs.

GIS technology used in HCMC to combat against Covid-19

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Science and Technology yesterday held a virtual meeting to introduce the solution ‘Using GIS Technology in Covid-19 Prevention and Control Tasks in District Level’. The solution is expected to be applied in several districts in the city.

In the meeting, two pieces of GIS-related software were presented and will be run in the 11 districts of 4, 6, 12, Binh Thanh, Tan Binh, Phu Nhuan, Go Vap, Binh Chanh, Can Gio, Cu Chi, and Nha Be.

The Center for Applied GIS of HCMC (HCMGIS) will aid in the installation process and training sessions so that the software mentioned will be run smoothly in the Covid-19 fight.

Before this, Thu Duc City has already launched two applications named Thu Duc Covid (implementing GIS in managing Covid-19 outbreak) and Thu Duc Shopping (implementing GIS to help residents do their online shopping). They have proved absolutely useful in the current situation of the city.

Thu Duc Covid has the main features of Covid-19 map, Covid-19 case management, space analysis, data layer management, statistics collection and report preparation.

The software’s analysis tools allow the evaluation of positive cases, suspected cases, infected people in the same household, Covid-19 progress, as well as prepare reports to send to state leaders of all levels via emails.

The data layer map help to clearly display the border of neighborhoods, wards, centralized quarantine wards, Covid-19 treatment sites, along with updated statistics for daily evaluation of the current Covid-19 status and the possible spreading.

Thu Duc Shopping is developed to aid dwellers in their online shopping. It can update information about stores and supermarkets selling essential goods, about the available merchandise there. It can also show the optimal route to reach those vendors.

One remarkable feature of the software is the display of gathering points for relief items to help the poor easily obtain necessary stuff for their daily activities.

Deputy Director of the HCMC Department of Science and Technology Chu Van Hai shared that her department hopes to support all districts to implement more scientific-technological products, models in the combat against Covid-19.

Fresh impetus for Vietnam – Thailand relations

Vietnam and Thailand first established diplomatic ties on August 6, 1976, and their co-operative relationship has since developed in a fruitful manner on the back of high-level agreements reached by various senior leaders of the two countries.

Both countries successfully boosted their relationship to the level of a strategic partnership level during Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong’s visit to Thailand back in June 2013. They have so far signed more than 50 co-operation agreements across various fields, whilst 13 pairs of sister localities have also managed to establish friendly relations.

The two countries have co-operated closely and continue to support each other at regional and international forums, especially through ASEAN and the Mekong Sub-region co-operation mechanism. They continue to advocate for the building of a strong, self-resilient, and united ASEAN community that possesses a common voice in addressing a range of regional and international issues.

At present, Thailand is the ninth largest foreign investor out of 132 countries and territories that invest in Vietnam, with a total investment capital of over US$12.3 billion. It also represents one of the country’s largest trading partners in Southeast Asia, with two-way trade value between both sides reaching US$17.5 billion in 2019 and approximately US$16 billion last year.

Despite the negative impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the opening six months of this year saw bilateral trade turnover gross roughly US$10 billion, marking an annual rise of 27%. Both sides are working on a goal of raising their annual trade value to US$25 billion by 2025.

Thanks to their close geographical location and convenient flight routes, the two countries are among the group of 12 leading tourism markets for each other. The number of Thai travelers entering Vietnam ranks 10th among foreign tourists to the nation, and fourth among ASEAN countries.

Currently, more than 100,000 Thai people of Vietnamese origin are residing, studying, and working in Thailand, serving as a bridge to connect the two countries. Indeed, this community is integrating well into the local culture, while also making a significant contribution back in their home country.

During phone talks held in May, Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and his Thai counterpart Prayut Chan-o-cha agreed to strengthen bilateral co-ordination as a means of cushioning the impact caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, along with building momentum for future co-operation.

They therefore agreed to hold the fourth Joint Cabinet meeting between Vietnam and Thailand at an appropriate time in the future, and soon sign an Action Programme aimed at implementing the enhanced Vietnam-Thailand Strategic Partnership in the 2021 - 2025 period.

According to Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Phan Chi Thanh, Thailand represents the only country that Vietnam has maintained a very effective joint cabinet meeting with.

Forty-five years have elapsed since both countries first established diplomatic ties, the enhanced Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and Thailand is becoming increasingly extensive, effective, and substantive, creating a solid foundation for the two countries to forge stronger relations moving forward.

German hospital donates medical supplies to support Vietnam's COVID-19 fight

St. Georg Hospital in Leipzig city of Germany's Sachsen state has decided to donate protective gears and quick test kits worth 60,000 EUR to Vietnam to support its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

This is the second time the St. Georg Hospital has presented medical equipment to Vietnam.

In a recent working trip to Leipzig city, Vietnamese Ambassador to Germany Nguyen Minh Vu updated the pandemic's developments in Vietnam, especially Ho Chi Minh City where thousands of new infections have been detected a day.

The diplomat called on the city's authorities and local agencies and organisations to support Vietnam's efforts in the fight against the pandemic.

Dr. Iris Minde, Director of the St. Georg Hospital which received assistance from Vietnam last year, noted that only by working together, can the pandemic be pushed back.

The hospital immediately collected the medical supplies, including face masks, protective gears and quick test kits from local medical establishments, hospitals and organisations.

The collection was carried out rapidly thanks to the cooperation from the Economic Promotion Agency and the International Cooperation Department of Leipzig. The medical supplies will be transported to Vietnam in late August.

Leipzig is twinned with HCM City and the two sides have developed cooperative relations in different spheres.

In a related move, the World University Service (WUS) announced on August 4 that the second batch of relief aid including more than 203,000 quick test kits worth 598,000 EUR will be transported to Vietnam by Vietnam Airlines on August 9. They were donated by Hessen state, Messer Group and the WUS./.

HCM City targets 70% of adults vaccinated against COVID-19 by August

Ho Chi Minh City, the largest coronavirus hotspot in Vietnam, has requested for more COVID-19 vaccines from the Government, aiming to inoculate 70% of adults by the end of August.

The southern metropolis requested that the Ministry of Health allocate an additional 5 – 5.5 million doses to meet the target.

According to the latest statistics, HCM City is home to roughly seven million residents above the age of 18. To date, approximately two million shots have been given to local people.

Nearly 800,000 people have received their first shot of the AstraZeneca vaccine, and 25,000 people given the initial shot of the Moderna vaccine, with this group of people all needing to be injected with their second shot in late August.

Given the current context, the city needs approximately 5 - 5.5 million more COVID-19 vaccine doses to inoculate 70% of people aged 18 and above, said Duong Anh Duc, vice chairman of the local administration.

It is anticipated that HCM City will be capable of administering over 350,000 doses of the COVID-19 vaccine each day, providing that it receives more vaccine supply sources, according to Duc.

Currently, the city is launching the sixth phase of its inoculation drive, with all people above the age 18, including foreigners, living in the locality.

To ramp up this process, HCM City has established several mobile inoculation facilities to work alongside fixed vaccination sites, with vaccinations even conducted at night.

HCM City, the busiest and most populous locality in Vietnam, has recorded more than 112,000 locally acquired coronavirus cases, or approximately two thirds of the country’s total, since the resurgence of the virus in late April 2021.

Dong Nai grants operation permit for 145 taxis carrying people to hospitals

The Provincial Department of Transport of Dong Nai just granted the operation permit for 140 taxi firms of Mai Linh Dong Nai Branch, Sai Gon, Lado and Long Thanh to serve people having demand of going to the hospital.

Accordingly, all the taxis are granted operation permits by the Department of Transport of Dong Nai Province and the functional forces can check the identification document via QR Code.

Those taxis are allowed to operate in case of necessity, especially to support the medical sector, pick up and drop off the passengers from isolated and lock-downed areas. Besides, the taxis can transport local residents from their houses to the hospitals and vice versa.

During the journey, the taxi drivers and passengers have to strictly comply with the Covid-19 prevention and control regulations, particularly in terms of the number of passengers and operation areas. Of which, all the taxis must be equipped with hand sanitizer and the drivers have to submit SARS-CoV-2 test results.

Earlier, the Department of Transport of Dong Nai Province also issued an official letter to allow the shippers to operate from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily.Closed markets for Covid-19 infectious cases to be resumed

Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien has just proposed the People’s Committees of provinces and cities under the central authority to consider the reopening of closed traditional markets linked to the Covid-19 infectious cases under the necessary condition of all traders must get at least one shot of vaccine.

The markets will be resumed if both management boards and small traders strictly comply with Covid-19 pandemic prevention and control measures, follow the Health Ministry's 5K message featuring khau trang (face masks), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distancing), khong tu tap (no gatherings) and khai bao y te (health declarations) during trading between buyers and sellers.

It is necessary to make medical declarations via QR Code and check the temperature for all people before entering the markets.

Business households are allowed to trade in essential goods according to the regulations.

Disabled man travels six days on wheelchair-motorbike to avoid Covid-19

A disabled man has travelled six days in his wheelchair-motorbike to return home in Phu Yen Province after losing his job in HCM City.

Tran Van Truong, born in 1998, said he still couldn't believe that he had made it home safely. "My whole body is aching so bad right now," he said.

Truong was paralysed after being sick as a child. Because of poverty, Truong left for HCM City to sell lotto tickets for some income. However, because of the pandemic, he had faced various difficulties and was unable to earn money. On July 30, Truong decided to leave HCM City and return to Phu Yen on his wheelchair-motorbike.

Despite the hot temperature, he didn't dare to stop anywhere for too long, fearing that he may be positive for Covid-19. He received charity meals along the way. On August 4, a charity group called the Phu Yen Provincial Red Cross-SOS Team to help Truong.

This is not the first time Truong had travelled alone to his home province.

Four years ago, he was going to catch a passenger bus to go home for Tet Holiday. Unfortunately, he lost his money along the way and travelled to Phu Yen on his wheelchair-motorbike in eight days.

After receiving the information, Phu Yen Red Cross-SOS Team said they had arrived to pick up Truong, helped him get tested for Covid-19 and transferred him to the quarantine centre in Phu Yen.

HCM City takes bold steps in COVID-19 response strategy

Ho Chi Minh City must ramp up efforts to provide timely treatment for patients suffering from COVID-19 in order to minimise fatalities, according to Phan Van Mai, deputy secretary of the municipal Party Committee.

After changing anti-pandemic measures six times, the southern city's infection tally is starting to flatten, although the city has determined that counting every positive cases is no longer of great significance, with greater importance being placed on finding proper treatment methods.

As a way of preparing for the strategy aimed at limiting deaths, in mid-July the southern metropolis ensured that available human resources and medical equipment were moved to the area in order to give the correct treatment to severe cases as a means of reducing the death rate as much as possible.

Most notably, the F0 treatment model has been changed with 38 treatment facilities, providing a total of 46,000 beds in order to treat more than 41,000 cases.

The local health sector continues to expand treatment facilities and has moved to increase its emergency reception capacity to 100%, whilst also assigning the collection of asymptomatic F0 case to district-level medical facilities.

Furthermore, enhanced medical forces from various hospitals and localities, high-quality personnel, along with the participation of all directors of central-level specialised hospitals, have moved to the city as part of joint efforts to establish more treatment systems for COVID-19 patients.

The three intensive care centres offer 3,000 beds and were established together with the Ho Chi Minh City COVID-19 Resuscitation Hospital as a means of focusing on treating severe and critically-ill patients.

According to data released on August 4, hospitals in the city are treating F0 cases and 33,444 F0 cases, of which 1,035 critically-ill patients have been put on ventilators and 15 patients are now receiving ECMO support.

Along with this, Ho Chi Minh City also changed its vaccination strategy in an effort to increase coverage in the fastest manner possible, with the total number of vaccination units increasing to 1,200, a figure that is double the original plan.

The city has also streamlined some procedures taking place both before and after vaccination, such as simplifying screening for people under 65 years of age and for those suffering without underlying diseases. This serves to reduce the follow-up time after injection from 30 minutes to 15 minutes with healthy people.

According to Duong Anh Duc, vice chairman of the City People's Committee, currently roughly two million local citizens have received their first shots of COVID vaccines, while 70,000 have already got their second jab. The city has requested the Government continuously provide vaccines to ensure that an additional 5.5 million doses are administered in August.

Local authorities aim to inoculate all people around 18 years old, with this set to extend throughout the entire city, which has a population of roughly at about 7 million.

If the vaccine supply and progress are ensured, then the vaccination rate for people aged 18 and above may hit between 70% and 80% by the end of August.

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, who is also head of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, has also asked Ho Chi Minh City to focus on treating COVID-19 patients in critical condition. At present the involvement of various hospitals in COVID-19 treatment also ensures that important places are given sufficient medical supplies.

As of the morning of August 5, Ho Chi Minh City documented a further 2,349 local cases of COVID-19, raising the infection count since the start of the latest wave of the pandemic that hit the nation more than three months ago to more than 108,000.

Source: VNA/VNS/VOV/VIR/SGT/SGGP/Nhan Dan/Hanoitimes