A taxi driver wears two facial masks and has added a plastic shield to separate him from passengers in Binh Thanh District, July 11.
While ride-hailing motorbike companies are now suspended, some taxis can still operate.
HCMC, the nation's Covid epicenter, entered social distancing under Directive 16 on July 9, requiring people to stay at home and only go out to buy food, medicine, seek healthcare services or to work at offices and businesses allowed to open.
The city already adopted less stricter social distancing rules for a month before that, banning gatherings of more than 20 people in one place and more than 10 outside schools, hospitals and public offices.
A scrap collector pushes her cart in Binh Thanh District, July 11.
While most economic activities are not allowed since the implementation of the Directive 16, the most vulnerable people are left with no choice to keep working, facing fines of up to VND3 million ($130.43).
A father and his son play in their apartment building in District 5, July 10. While it is forbidden to exercise outside, many Saigonese try to keep a healthy lifestyle.
Vegetable sellers brave the night to sell a few items near Cho Lon, District 5, July 9. Transactions last less than one minute. With economic activities being forbidden, they risk getting fined by the police.
A woman prays outside Jeanne d’Arc Church in District 5, July 1. All preachings have been postponed until further notice. Some churches held their services online, in order to respect social distancing.
"Hairdresser for takeaway," an unusual sign seen in District 5 on July 7. Since most economic activities are forbidden, locals find resourceful ways to keep earning a living.
Two women are seen hanging a sign near Cho Lon, advising anyone that enters the alley to wear a face mask, on June 21.
Vietnam has been a global Covid success story until a new wave broke out in late April, causing more than 42,600 infections in 58 of Vietnam's 63 cities and provinces.
HCMC is now the hardest hit with almost 25,700 cases recorded.
