Hanoi on Saturday began 15-day social distancing under Directive 16 as COVID-19 infections spike in the capital city.

Directive 16, which includes the most stringent social distancing regulations, requires residents to stay at home and only go out for an emergency reason or for basic necessities such as buying food or medicines or to work at factories or businesses that are allowed to open.

Masks are mandatory in public, people must keep a distance of at least two meters, and no more than two people can gather at public places or outside workplaces, schools or hospitals.

Non-essential services and businesses must close.

Public transport, ride-hailing services, traditional taxis, and motorbike taxis are suspended.

Hanoi has detected more than 660 infections since the fourth wave of COVID-19 hit Vietnam in late April.

Source: VOV5