As countries around the globe close up their borders to confront COVID-19 pandemic, more than 1,500 Vietnamese stranded overseas have safely returned to Việt Nam with the support of the country’s diplomatic missions overseas.

Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Thursday called for strict social distancing as some people have begun leaving their homes, especially in Hà Nội and HCM City.

Việt Nam reported four more cases of COVID-19 on Thursday evening, raising the total number of cases across the country to 255.