HANOI — Vietnam’s commercial hub Ho Chi Minh City will start relaxing its coronavirus curbs from later on Thursday, officials said, allowing more business and social activities after four months of measures aimed at arresting a spiraling death rate. “We are gradually opening but put our resident’s safety first.”The city about 9 million people has borne the brunt of Vietnam’s coronavirus crisis, accounting for 80% of the country’s fatalities and half of its nearly 780,000 cases. Movement curbs have forced the closure of many factories in its industrial belt, prompting warnings from some foreign commerce groups that prolonged curbs could see them shift business to other countries. “We foresee a huge shortage of labor force at manufacturing factories and construction when the city reopens,” Binh added. About one-third of the city’s residents have been fully vaccinated.

Source: Philippine Daily Inquirer September 30, 2021 06:00 UTC