Duc Hoa Market in Long An’s Duc Hoa District has been locked down. The province is practicing social distancing - PHOTO: VNA

HCMC - The Mekong Delta province of Long An has decided to implement social distancing measures starting from 0 a.m. today, July 2, as the number of Covid-19 cases in the province has risen, especially at the pandemic hotspot at the Long An General Hospital.

On July 1, the provincial government issued a document strengthening anti-pandemic measures in the province. Accordingly, nonessential services, such as karaoke, massage parlors and spas, bars, discos and gyms, have been suspended, the local media reported.

Residents must avoid gatherings of more than five people in public places and keep a safe physical distance of at least two meters from each other. Coaches and buses have also been suspended, while contract vehicles and cars transporting workers remain operational.

Meanwhile, Tan An City and Duc Hoa, Ben Luc, Can Duoc and Can Giuoc districts have employed social distancing measures under the prime minister’s Directive 15.

They must stop all activities and events with over 20 people and religious events gathering more than five people. Restaurants, eateries and coffee shops can offer takeaway services only.

Those coming to Long An from pandemic-hit areas must stay at centralized quarantine facilities, while those from other areas will isolate themselves at home for 14 days.

Taxi drivers, shippers and people transporting food and building materials to Long An must show a negative Covid-19 test result conducted three days ahead of their arrival or undergo quick tests at the airport.

As of this morning, Long An recorded 111 locally-infected Covid-19 cases in Can Duoc, Can Giuoc, Duc Hoa, Ben Luc, Tan An and Tan Thanh, including 24 cases at the Long An General Hospital.

Earlier, social distancing under the prime minister’s Directive 15 was imposed in Tan An City and Can Duoc, Can Giuoc, Ben Luc and Duc Hoa districts for 18 days, which ended on June 20.