Quang Nam province has decided to extend the ongoing social distancing order imposed on Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, starting from August 14 in an effort to curb the novel coronavirus.

Social distancing order remains in place to prevent the spread of the virus
in the community in Hoi An, a major tourist destination in central Vietnam

According to Tran Van Tan, vice chairman of Quang Nam Provincial People’s Committee, local residents have been advised to remain indoors as much as possible and should only venture out for food, medicine, or other essential daily items. 

Citizens are encouraged to don face masks when in public, thoroughly wash their hands with soap or disinfectant, avoid gatherings of over two people in public areas, and maintain a distance of at least two metres from each other.

Essential services, including markets, supermarkets, pharmacies, petrol stations, banks, factories, and production workshops, have been granted permission to remain open.

Furthermore, the province has also requested that Hoi An temporarily suspend cultural and sporting events, festivals and religious rituals. All of the town’s tourist spots, including historical and cultural relics along with beaches, will now stop receiving visitors. 

Public transport services in the local area will also be forced to halt.

The social distancing order is set to remain in place until further notice.