Stricter targets, curbs set

Sign of the times: Motorists riding past an electricity box decorated with art depicting a Covid-19 frontliner along a street in Hanoi. — AFP

THE country aims to vaccinate 50% of people aged 18 or older by the end of this year and 70% by the end of March 2022, the health ministry said as tighter coronavirus curbs were imposed in more cities, including the country’s commercial hub.

After successfully containing the virus for much of the pandemic, Vietnam has since late April faced a more stubborn outbreak that has prompted calls for the government to accelerate its vaccination programme.