Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Taxi and Bus Services Suspended Due to COVID-19 Impact

[Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Yoo Byung-don] Ho Chi Minh City, the largest city in Vietnam, is suspending taxi and bus operations due to the spread of COVID-19.

According to local media on the 20th, Ho Chi Minh City has suspended taxi and ride-hailing services such as 'Grab' as well as public bus operations starting from that day.

Additionally, gatherings of three or more people outside workplaces, schools, and hospitals are prohibited, and a minimum distance of 1.5 meters must be maintained in public places. Along with this, residents are instructed not to leave their homes except for unavoidable reasons such as purchasing essential goods.

This is the second time that public transportation has been suspended in Ho Chi Minh City due to the spread of COVID-19. The city explained that this measure was taken as confirmed cases surged recently.

According to Vietnamese health authorities, Ho Chi Minh City had almost no confirmed cases at the beginning of the fourth wave of local infections, but in recent days, the daily number of confirmed cases has consecutively reached the 100s.

Yesterday, 135 confirmed cases were reported, and as of the morning of the same day, 46 local infections were reported.

Meanwhile, Vietnam has recorded 9,720 confirmed cases so far due to the fourth wave of local infections that began on April 27.

In Bac Giang Province, where many Korean companies' factories are concentrated, 5,330 cases have been reported, and in Bac Ninh Province, home to Samsung Electronics' mobile phone factory and numerous partners, 1,513 infections have been confirmed.

Ho Chi Minh City has reported 1,527 cases, and the capital city Hanoi has reported 465 cases.