The capital city of Hanoi, which was most affected by the novel coronavirus epidemic (COVID-19) in the country, has begun easing restrictions cautiously to adapt to the ‘new normal’ practice.

The city has increased the number of buses to serve commuters
after COVID-19 restrictions were eased

Under a newly signed document, Hanoi Mayor Nguyen Duc Chung has asked local administrations and residents to continue implementing preventive measures against COVID-19 after the epidemic was brought under control. 

Residents are advised to frequently wash hands with soap or disinfectant solutions, wear face masks, keep a safe distance from each other and avoid large gatherings when in public. 

A temporary ban on festivals, religious and sporting events, as well as nonessential services such as entertainment, beauty&makeup, karaoke singing, dancing, gaming, and filming remains in place. 

Other business services are allowed to resume operation, but required to maintain a safe distance inside the premises and encouraged to offer takeaway and delivery.  

Shops, commercial centres and supermarkets are only allowed to open after 09.00am in an effort to limit human contact and travel, except for restaurants, pharmacies, petrol stations, and markets. 

The city has resumed public transport services to make it easier for commuters to travel, but required operators and commuters to apply preventive measures according to health recommendations. 

The city has asked schools to disinfect facilities before welcoming students back again in May after a long stay at home due to the disease. School management should work out plans to reduce the number of students in a classroom and arrange shifts in order to avoid large gatherings. 

The Hanoi Mayor assigned the Department of Health to timely detect, quarantine, zone off and deal with any new outbreak to halt the possible spread of the virus among the community. 

The police will intensify patrols to deal with any violations, and law-breakers will be dully punished. 

Hanoi is the most affected locality in Vietnam with 124 confirmed coronavirus cases, more than double the number of infections in Ho Chi Minh City. It is the only locality in the country that had to implement the government’s social distancing order for another week due to a high risk of infection.  

Currently, 22 COVID-19 patients are receiving treatment at health facilities in the city after 102 patients have fully recovered and have been discharged from hospital.