On one trip, 119 medical staff took a one-day tour to Can Gio District. They enjoyed several outdoor activities, took a boat tour of the Rung Sac Tourism Area, which used to be a revolutionary base during the Vietnam War, explored the Dan Xay Tourism Area as well as mangrove forests at Vam Sat Eco-tourist site.

All staff at these destinations were fully vaccinated and complied with all pandemic prevention measures.

The pilot tour was part of Can Gio District's efforts to gradually restart the local economy. Officials said the district would continue to implement a phased tourism reopening plan, allowing fully vaccinated visitors back to the district.

Can Gio is home to the Can Gio Mangrove Forest, a biological reserve recognized by UNESCO.

It is one of the three districts in HCMC, the others being 7 and Cu Chi, that started easing Covid restrictions Thursday, September 16.

Sunday’s other tour took 108 frontline Covid-19 workers to famous historical destinations and eco-tourist sites in Cu Chi District, home to the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, an enduring symbol of Vietnamese resistance and bravery during the Vietnam War.

All visitors were fully vaccinated with two doses and tested negative for the novel coronavirus before joining the tour.

Ho Chi Minh City is the epicenter of the fourth Covid-19 wave to hit the country late April, recording more than 336,500 cases to date. The city suspended all tourism activities in June as part of efforts to contain the spread of the virus.