HCMC began a two-week mandatory social distancing period Monday to curb the spread of the disease after detecting 157 cases in the latest wave including several clusters.
But even before the authorities’ diktat, people in the southern metropolis were aware of the gravity.
With non-essential services shut down, the crowded streets were eerily desolate over the weekend.
Seen above is a section of Vo Van Kiet Avenue, an arterial route connecting the city's eastern and western sides that is usually very busy but now virtually empty.
Phu Dong Intersection in District 1, where several streets like Cach Mang Thang Tam, Nguyen Thi Nghia and Le Thi Rieng meet, is not crowded as it always is.
The iconic Turtle Lake in District 3, normally bustling with visitors and food stalls, has been cordoned off.
Since May 27, after the city recorded a number of infections associated with the Revival Ekklesia Mission, a Christian congregation, the people's committee has shut down tourist attractions, museums, walking-only streets, parks, and night markets to curb the disease's spread.
Nguyen Hue Street in District 1, with a pedestrians-only strip down its middle, is empty after entertainment and food joints there were ordered closed. Stone benches have been cordoned off.
Nguyen Van Binh book street faces a similar fate, with all entrances being blocked to prevent people from entering.
Only a few passengers can be seen, while just a month ago airport security had trouble regulating the crowds.
Mien Dong Coach Station in Binh Thanh District, normally very crowded, has few people last weekend. Transport services between HCMC and neighboring provinces like Lam Dong and Binh Thuan have been suspended.
A mall on Dong Khoi Street in District 1 is open but has few customers.
As part of coronavirus prevention measures, shoppers are requested to keep a distance from each other but also not to crowd malls and markets.
