The decision was made Thursday by the city Vice Chairman Duong Anh Duc after the southern metropolis went 14 days without any Covid-19 community transmission.

Under the latest decision, wedding centers, restaurants, movie theaters and other places of recreation would reopen next Monday.

Tourism activities, transportation, catering services, shopping centers, museums, historical relics and libraries are also allowed to reopen, but must ensure a minimum distance of one meter between two people.

Catering establishments are banned from accommodating more than 30 people.

City authorities have also allowed the organization of religious events but gatherings of more than 50 people at a time are banned.

Vietnam's largest city has shut down all non-essential services since Feb. after recording a series of community transmissions linked to a cluster at the Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

Of the 36 community transmissions HCMC has recorded in the nation’s latest outbreak that began on Jan. 28, one is linked to Hai Duong Province, Vietnam's current Covid-19 epicenter, and 35 with the airport.

Health authorities have said the outbreak in the city has been put under control.