Public advised to use masks in crowded areas due to increasing COVID-19 infections in Ho Chi Minh City.
Hella, dude! Here's the lowdown on the COVID-19 situation in HCM City as of late. This bustling city has been hit hard, with a whopping 40 cases reported since mid-April, making it the city with the most cases in all of Vietnam[1][3][5].
Now, this little surge coincides with a slight rise in cases across the country, with a total of 148 cases reported nationwide since the start of 2025, but no fatalities[2][3][5]. The Ministry of Health hasn't exactly pointed fingers at any specific reasons for this increase, but they've noticed a trend of more cases popping up over the past three weeks[2][4].
The Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16 has been lurking around since 2023, and it's been spreading like wildfire, but don't worry, it doesn't seem to cause more severe symptoms[5].
To tackle this situation head-on, the Ministry of Health has come up with some guidelines for us civilians to follow:1. Mask up, man! Wear masks in public places, public transportation, and healthcare facilities.2. Avoid the crowd, unless it's an emergency ish.3. Wash your hands. Frequently. With soap and water. Or use that hand sanitizer you've got stashed everywhere.4. Eat right and exercise. Keep your bod fully functioning to handle whatever comes your way.5. If symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath show up, hit that doctor's office. Or clinic, or hospital. Whatever. Just get yourself checked out!
People undergo COVID-19 testing during the COVID-19 outbreak in 2021. - VNA/VNS Photo
Also, the ministry has beefed up surveillance and is prepped to offer patient care and emergency services, especially to high-risk groups[2].
For those traveling to or returning from countries with a high number of COVID cases, the ministry advises keeping an eye on their health and taking appropriate measures to protect themselves and their communities[3][5]. Keep it real, and stay safe, mates!
In this current scenario of the COVID-19 pandemic in HCM City, the Ministry of Health recommends wearing masks in public places, avoiding crowds, washing hands frequently, maintaining a healthful lifestyle, and seeking medical attention if symptoms like fever, cough, or shortness of breath appear. The ministry also advises travelers to monitor their health and take precautions when returning from countries with high COVID-19 case numbers. AI and science are playing crucial roles in tracking the disease, and recent research suggests that the Omicron subvariant XBB.1.16, first identified in 2023, can spread rapidly but seems less severe compared to earlier variants.
