As the COVID-19 pandemic still remains complicated around the world, Viet Nam will continue strict border control to prevent importation of new case as a premise for easing domestic restrictions in favor of reopening the economy, according to National Steering Committee. 

Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam presides over a meeting of the National Steering
Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control in Ha Noi on Wednesday, May 6, 2020.
Photo: VGP

From such perspective, diplomatic passport holders, foreign experts and businessmen must be subject to mandatory 14-day quarantine with flexible forms upon their arrival to Viet Nam.

The nation will continue denying foreign tourists and strictly managing Vietnamese people returning home from abroad.

Inter-agency coordination mechanism involving the army, police, and health sectors must be constantly ready to detect, trace and handle new cases.

Citizens are encouraged to wear face masks on public transport means and at public places, avoid direct contact with each other, and wash hands regularly.

The national steering committee also agreed that non-essential service establishments should be allowed to reopen, except for dance halls and karaoke, on the condition that a safe distance of at least one meter needs to be observed.

According to Professor Tran Dac Phu, senior adviser at the Public Health Emergency Operations Center under the Ministry of Health, the infection risk is low as Viet Nam has gone 20 days with no new community transmission cases, allowing the country to loosen some of the restrictions.

Meanwhile, Professor Le Quang Cuong, former Deputy Minister of Health said Viet Nam can gradually ease restrictions but the principles of wearing mask, keeping distance, and washing hands must be respected.

Experts said schools should not require students to wear face masks and turn off air conditioners during class time./.