Vietnam reports deadliest day since pandemic start

Vietnam has reported its highest daily death toll from the coronavirus since the pandemic began, hours before its largest city starts a strict lockdown in order to curb the virus spread, the government said. 

The ministry of health on Sunday reported 737 deaths, increasing the death toll to 8,277, and over 11,000 new infections, most in Ho Chi Minh City and neighbouring Binh Duong province.  On Friday, the government imposed another two weeks of lockdown on Ho Chi Minh City, with tighter restrictions starting from Monday. 

Under the new measures people in high risk areas cannot leave home at all. Vietnam’s government says it is sending troops to Ho Chi Minh City to help deliver food and aid to households.