Ho Chi Minh City leaders show a decision to establish the center to receive necessities to help citizens in need (Photo: VOV)

“The fight against COVID-19 is still very difficult. All efforts to defeat the pandemic are from the people. Therefore, on behalf of the city's leaders, I urge all compatriots and people of the city to unite, try harder, and be more determined to fight the pandemic and win,” Mr. Mai said.

He made the statement at a ceremony to launch a center to receive necessities to help citizens in need. Goods and basic products worth millions of USD have been donated.

Ho Chi Minh City, which has been in a strict social distancing period of five weeks, will extend social distancing measures until September 15, the date set by the Government for the southern metropolis to bring its severe COVID-19 outbreaks under control.
The city has so far recorded nearly 145,000 cases of COVID-19, the highest in the country during the latest wave of the pandemic.