Vietnam's biggest city to keep virus curbs, flight resumption sought

A lone car is seen on an empty highway during lockdown amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam August 23, 2021. REUTERS/Stringer NO RESALES NO ARCHIVES

HANOI (Reuters) - Vietnam's coronavirus outbreak epicentre Ho Chi Minh City will extend its restrictions, state media reported on Monday, as the capital Hanoi and several provinces sought an easing of curbs and the aviation authority proposed domestic flights resume.

Ho Chi Minh City authorities said an extension until the end of September was necessary to isolate clusters, speed up inoculations and prevent hospitals being overwhelmed in the city of 9 million people.