HANOI, April 15 (Xinhua) -- Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on Wednesday approved to extend the country's 15-day social distancing against COVID-19, which started from April 1 to April 22 at the earliest in 12 localities including the capital city of Hanoi and southern Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam News Agency reported.
The 12 localities, also including the central city of Da Nang, the northern province of Quang Ninh and the central provinces of Binh Thuan and Khanh Hoa, are classified as of high risk, thus may have to implement the social distancing until April 30 or for an even longer period depending on the epidemic development, the news agency reported, adding that Vietnam has divided its cities and provinces into three groups of high risk, risk and low risk.
Vietnam announced the 15-day nationwide social distancing on March 31, requiring people to stay at home, keep a distance of at least 2 meters from others, avoid gatherings of more than two people, and only go out for necessary reasons. State agencies and units are required to facilitate public servants and employees to work at home as more as possible, except for absolutely necessary cases.
The country has confirmed 267 cases of COVID-19 infection, among whom 171 had recovered as of Wednesday evening, according to its health ministry.
