Fully vaccinated workers are defined as those who have received their last dose at least 14 days before or no more than 12 months ago, the ministry stated in its new guidelines released Thursday.

Companies in cities and provinces at ‘very high’ risk must test at least 20 percent of their staff weekly. These workers include those who have high risks of contagion, like receptionists, manufacturers and company heads.

Direct suppliers of services and materials to companies, for example food caterers, in these localities would also need to be tested weekly.

For cities and provinces at ‘high’ risk, tests are to be conducted once every two weeks on at least 5-10 percent of workers.

Drivers travelling between localities still need negative results, either obtained via PCR or rapid tests, within 72 hours.

Under the new scheme the health ministry allows companies to conduct rapid tests on employees themselves after being trained by health authorities of at least district level.

Test kits need to be approved by the ministry, while companies are responsible for the process and results.

They need to report the results to district-level health authorities within two hours after testing.

The new scheme is considered a more relaxed policy on testing as Vietnam gradually reopens its economy.

Ho Chi Minh City will resume most activities starting Friday after months of restrictions.

Vietnam recorded 8,744 Covid-19 cases Wednesday.