Hanoi collects samples for COVID-19 testing in high-risk areas. (Photo: VNA)

Ho Chi Minh City, the country's biggest epidemic hotspot, logged 4,180 new cases; followed by Binh Duong (2,075), Long An (544), Dong Nai (456), Khanh Hoa (335), and Dong Thap (146).

The number of patients given all clear was 3,250, raising the total of recoveries to 38,734.

The treatment sub-committee of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control announced that there were 145 COVID-19 deaths in six cities and provinces, between July 19 to 30.

At a meeting of the committee on July 31, members proposed the Prime Minister to keep the ongoing social distancing for another 14 days in 19 southern localities.

It was also proposed that in face of the complicated development of COVID-19, the top priority in the vaccination against the pandemic should be given to the region in order to achieve herd immunity as soon as possible.

In terms of the ongoing vaccination rollout in Ho Chi Minh City, Duong Anh Duc, vice chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, said that after the end of the fifth vaccination drive, the city will immediately organise the sixth drive. This will continue until reaching the goal of covering at least two thirds of the local population over the age of 18.

"The city expects that the simplification of vaccination procedures will speed up the injection rate but still ensure the safety and health of the injectors," Duc said.

At present, the southern city has been granted 2,082,040 COVID-19 vaccines and is expected to receive more according to the allocation of the Ministry of Health in the near future.

Source: VNA/VOV