Some protection is on the way for a crucial part of the city's lockdown lifeblood.

VnExpress reports that yesterday, July 27, vaccinations for many delivery drivers began in Ho Chi Minh City. As the city's outbreak worsens and restrictions tighten, they have become a key part of keeping people fed and businesses operating.

Grab Vietnam, for example, arranged vaccination points in District 7, while other shippers are being vaccinated as part of their district registration process. Other delivery companies such as Gojek, Now and Ahamove have not announced similar initiatives at the time of writing.

It is not currently clear how many delivery drivers have received a shot yet, but on July 26, the HCMC People's Committee introduced strict new rules for shippers and delivery companies. For example, shippers must wear dark blue gloves and an armband with the word "shipper" emblazoned on it, and they must also have a QR code issued by their company for checking.

Shipping companies were also asked to reduce their delivery force by at least 10% in order to limit the number of people on the road, leaving businesses such as supermarkets unable to fulfill orders.

Saigon is in the midst of its fifth vaccination campaign as it also battles a severe COVID-19 outbreak. However, Tuoi Tre reports that vaccinations are slower than anticipated, with health workers administering an average of 59 people per day at each local vaccination sight, well below the goal of 120 per site per day.

At this pace, this round of vaccinations could take up 25 days for 930,000 doses to be given out, whereas the city health department had aimed for this to take 12 days.