Ho Chi Minh City extends social distancing to end of September but eases some restrictions

Social distancing measures in Ho Chi Minh City will be extended to September 30 but some restrictions will be eased starting from September 16 in places where COVID-19 is now under control.

A soldier checks the travel permit of a Ho Chi Minh City resident.
A soldier checks the travel permit of a Ho Chi Minh City resident.

Municipal Chairman Phan Van Mai signed the decision on September 15, which is designed to further consolidate the city’s results in containing the virus.

Travel permits are still needed for movement within the city and those already issued will remain valid until the end of the month.

Technology-based delivery workers are now allowed to travel across districts and Thu Duc City from 6am to 9pm as long as they are tested for coronavirus every two days.

The city is also allowing the re-opening of some businesses starting from September 16, including postal services, telecommunications, IT equipment, learning materials, takeaway restaurants, agricultural and veterinary services, and vehicle repair.

In District 7, Cu Chi District and Can Gio District, where the virus has been contained, people are allowed to go out for groceries once a week.

Speaking during a livestreamed dialogue with the people on September 15, Can Gio Chairman Nguyen Van Hong said the district is planning to re-open for tourism as it is located far from the centre of Ho Chi Minh City.

He added that the district has already inoculated all residents aged 18 and above with at least one dose and 37% have been fully vaccinated.

During the pilot period, the district will facilitate the operation of tours to some places of interest such as the Can Gio mangrove forest, the Vam Sat ecological park, the Phuong Nam tourist area, and Can Gio Monkey Island.

Tours will be organised in coordination with the municipal tourism department and tour operator Saigon Tourist while those going on such tours must have been vaccinated with two doses.

Hong said tour opening will create jobs for local residents and help them sell local seafood.

In another development, Ho Chi Minh City is planning to spend VND7.5 trillion (US$329 million) to support more than 7.5 million people affected by COVID-19.

Beneficiaries will include poor and near-poor people, those who lost their jobs or have no income, and dependents and temporary residents who are facing severe difficulty due to prolonged distancing.

According to the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs, the city has about 7.1 million permanent and temporary residents and another 450,000 migrants in need of urgent support.

Cash and essential goods are provided to those in need in Ho Chi Minh City.