Ho Chi Minh City has imposed a fine on those without face masks in public since August 5
Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City have penalized more than 3,700 people for not wearing face masks in public since last month, collecting over VND756 million (US$32,800) in fines.
The figures were reported by the municipal Department of Industry and Trade on Monday afternoon.
As one of its COVID-19 prevention and control measures, Ho Chi Minh City has imposed a fine of VND100,000-300,000 ($4.25-12.80) on those without face masks in public since August 5.
After nearly four weeks of implementing the rule, authorities found over 11,000 cases without face masks in public.
Among them, 7,420 cases were given a reminder to obey the rule and let go without a fine, while 3,769 were penalized for their violation.
The money collected from violators totaled over VND756 million.
“People must strictly follow the mandatory face mask order while in public, keep their homes well-ventilated, and avoid crowds,” said Le Thanh Liem, vice-chairman of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City.
Liem asked municipal authorities to implement stringent COVID-19 safety measures to tackle large gatherings amid the upcoming National Day holiday (September 2).
Ho Chi Minh has registered 78 infections of COVID-19 since the pandemic first hit Vietnam in January.
Vietnam’s COVID-19 tally stood at 1,044, with 707 recoveries and 34 fatalities as of Tuesday morning.
