Report Ho Chi Minh City and Regional Authorities Urge Caution Amid Covid-19 Rise

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The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has issued a recommendation for residents to wear face masks while visiting medical facilities, crowded places, or using public transport, in response to a recent increase in Covid-19 cases. As of mid-April, hospitals in the city admitted 40 Covid patients, with none requiring respiratory support.

 

The city noted 16 new cases last week alone, surpassing the average of previous weeks, despite only 51 cases being reported this year—a significant 83% drop compared to the same period last year. Although no outbreaks have been identified, authorities have observed a gradual rise in cases since mid-April, potentially linked to increased travel and gatherings during recent festivals.

 

Vietnam has also experienced a slight rise in Covid cases nationwide, with approximately 20 cases reported per week, though none with severe symptoms. Health authorities expect the trend may persist and attribute the increase to heightened travel and public gatherings.

 

The Ho Chi Minh City health department emphasizes the importance of protective health measures, advising regular hand washing, respiratory etiquette, and maintaining a balanced diet and regular exercise to enhance immunity. Individuals are encouraged to seek timely medical care if they experience symptoms and to prevent potential transmission, especially after returning from high-risk areas.

 

The city's Center for Disease Control continues to monitor Covid-19 developments at local, national, and international levels, staying vigilant against virus variants while maintaining public health safeguards.

 

Meanwhile, in Thailand, Public Health Minister Somsak Thepsutin has addressed public concern over a resurgence of Covid-19, urging calm despite rising cases. This year, over 53,600 cases and 16 deaths have been reported, with Bangkok seeing over 16,700 cases. The uptick, especially after the Songkran festival, may be linked to the XBB.1.16 subvariant emergence and mass gatherings.

 

Minister Somsak acknowledged that Covid-19 has evolved into a year-round endemic disease with reduced severity but emphasized the need for continued vigilance and adherence to precautions such as mask-wearing to manage transmission rates effectively.

 

  Adapted by ASEAN Now from VN Express 2025-05-16