HCMC might prolong social distancing for a fortnight

"Municipal authorities will evaluate the situation on August 1 to make new plans. But as of now we think that after that day, the city will still need more social distancing time," Phan Van Mai, Deputy Secretary of HCMC Party Committee, said Wednesday.

On July 22, HCMC had continued the social distancing period which had begun July 9. On Monday, the city banned people from leaving their houses after 6 p.m. except for emergencies.

With over 77,100 Covid-19 cases, the city is now letting most patients isolate themselves at home in order to reduce the burden on the medical system, Mai said, adding that most hospitals were overloaded at present.

It is estimated that 70-80 percent of patients show no or mild symptoms and can treat themselves at home.