The decision came as Quang Ninh, home to the world famous Ha Long Bay, around two hours from Hanoi, passed one month without new community transmissions.

Coffee shops, restaurants, eateries, sports services, gyms, fitness centers and billiards clubs in the province have all been permitted to resume operation. However, bars, karaoke parlors and dance clubs remain shut until further notice.

Quang Ninh closed all tourist destinations and suspended boat tours to UNESCO heritage site Ha Long Bay and its lesser-known sister Bai Tu Long Bay from May 6.

During the fourth coronavirus wave, the province recorded one domestic infection. The province currently requires all arrivals from coronavirus-hit localities to quarantine themselves for 21 days at centralized facilities.

Starting last Saturday, all flights connecting Ho Chi Minh City with Quang Ninh were suspended after new infections rose at an alarming rate in the southern metropolis.

Since the latest Covid-19 wave started six weeks ago, 5,951 cases have been recorded in 39 cities and provinces across Vietnam.