The National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control has underlined the necessity of continuing to carry out quarantine and epidemic prevention regulations in the community, especially at tourist attractions during public holidays, National Reunification Day (April 30) and International Labour Day (May 1).

Ly Son Island in the central province of Quang Ngai is allowed to welcome tourists
back on the occasion of National Reunification Day (April 30) and May Day

This came at an earlier meeting in Hanoi on April 29, during which the steering committee also discussed a range of issues regarding  school re-opening, immigration management, how to support foreign citizens to return home, and help other countries in the battle against the ongoing pandemic.

After a break from the COVID-19 epidemic, many tourist sites in some provinces have been given permission to welcome visitors back while ensuring all disease prevention regulations set out by the health sector. Meanwhile several "non-essential" services like bars, karaoke parlors, massage parlors, beauty clinics and entertainment facilities remain off-limits until further notice.

All citizens are still asked to strictly follow anti- epidemic measures by frequently washing hands with soap or hand sanitizer, wearing face masks, keeping a safe distance from each other and avoid large gatherings in public.

Despite the epidemic being put in stricter control in Vietnam with eased social distancing measures, greater efforts should be made to realize effectively the double goal of preventing the disease and ensuring socio-economic development and social security, said Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, who is also head of the national steering committee.

It is imperative to strictly keep a check on those who enter Vietnam while continuing to scrutinize regulations on education and tourism in order to ensure safety amid the complicated nature  of pandemic, the Deputy PM emphasized.

He also urged the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism and the Ministry of Transport to keep close tabs on and re-evaluate the epidemic situation to refine regulations and guidelines on epidemic prevention pertaining to tourism and transport activities.

Regarding COVID-19 update domestically, Vietnam detected no new case of coronavirus  on April 30 morning with the total tally of positive cases staying at 270, marking the 14th day without recording any new community-acquired infections.