xổ số thành phố hồ chí minh娱乐HCM City hushed on first day of social distancing order in wake of COVID-19 outbreak

HCM City hushed on first day of social distancing order in wake of COVID-19 outbreak

HCM CITY — The busy streets of the southern economic centre HCM City fell silent on Monday, the first day of the two-week social distancing order in a bid to contain swelling COVID- 一 九 case numbers.

A Vietnam News Agency reporter noted that in the morning, on otherwise busy gateways into HCM City such as Hà Nội Highway, HCM City-Long Thành-Dầu Giây (Thủ Đức City), Hoàng Văn Thụ (Tân Bình District), Trần Hưng Đạo and other downtown streets like Lê Duẩn and Đồng Khởi in District, Xô Viết Nghệ Tĩnh and Nguyễn Thị Minh Khai in Bình Thạnh District, traffic fell significantly.

Smaller streets that usually see congestion during morning rush hours have also become hushed.

Popular destinations in District  一 such as the Independence Palace, Nguyễn Huệ walking street, and Saigon Zoo and Botanical Garden have closed to visitors.

Malls, restaurants, and cafes have also been shut down – with a few eateries and beverage establishment still open only to receive take-away orders.

Traditional markets and supermarkets are still open with stacked shelves, after yesterday's panic buying in Gò Vấp District, which went under a stronger lockdown including no going outside unless for essential purposes or emergencies, while local authorities have reassured residents that there will be no shortage of food and products or price increases during the lockdown period.

Today, the number of customers at markets and supermarkets have dropped, with guards frequently on patrol to remind visitors to maintain physical distance requirements and hygiene measures.