HCM City authorities will start punishing people who do not wear face masks in public for Covid-19 prevention from August 5

Tran Duc Tai, deputy director of the city’s Department of Police, said that around 20% of people in HCM City are not wearing face masks in public. Gatherings of more than 30 people are also common.

Nguyen Thien Nhan, HCM City Party Secretary, said that wearing face masks is a very simple but effective measure for Covid-19 prevention; so, people who do not do this face risk of the infection which also poses dangers for the public. The violation needs to be dealt with.

At the meeting, Phong asked the police and concerned agencies to check the mask-wearing and impose administrative fines on violators.

The municipal leader also ordered the inspection of the supply of face masks, sterilisers and food during the pandemic fight. He noted that agencies need to have measures to avoid speculation.

It is important to publicise the addresses of places selling face masks and hand wash for the public and prices must be made publicly available to prevent speculation.

HCM City has reopened a Covid-19 treatment hospital in Can Gio due to the development of the pandemic.

By Tuesday morning, the city reported 70 Covid-19 cases in total, including 62 discharged from hospital for their full recovery.