Starting from today, April 1, Vietnam officially entered two weeks of heightened social distancing.

In accordance with a directive that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc announced on Tuesday, March 31, all localities in Vietnam will observe nationwide social distancing for 15 days to restrict local transmission of the novel coronavirus, reports VnExpress.

Under the order, citizens are urged to stay home for the duration and only leave their house to buy groceries, food, medicine or for medical emergencies. Employees of factories producing crucial goods and shops selling necessities are also allowed to carry on normally.

These venues are also required to maintain safe distances between workers and disinfect these work environments frequently. Employees must wear masks while at work.

Should citizens feel the need to go outside, they should maintain at least two meters of social distance in interactions. Gatherings of more than two people are prohibited in public places, with the exception of offices, schools and medical facilities.

In Saigon, municipal authorities have also severely curtailed most public modes of transport. During the first 15 days of April, all inter-city buses and taxis are to stay put. The city has also suspended its network of public buses.

However, xe ôm, ride-hailing bikes and delivery staff are still allowed to operate, though they must wear masks while driving, according to Director of the HCMC Department of Transportation Tran Quang Lam.