Authorities in Hanoi have allowed businesses to resume operations in 28 out of the city’s 30 districts, but certain measures are still being taken to contain the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19).

The Vietnamese government on Wednesday permitted officials in each province and city to determine their own social distancing rules after April 22, in accordance with each locality’s particular situation.

Hanoi, which was previously classified as a ‘high-risk’ city, has been moved to the ‘at-risk’ group but its Me Linh and Thuong Tin Districts, where COVID-19 clusters were detected, are still considered ‘high-risk’ areas.

The Hanoi People’s Committee convened a meeting with the city’s steering committee for COVID-19 prevention and control later the same day to announce changes to current measures to prevent the virus spread.

According to Hanoi chairman Nguyen Duc Chung, most businesses are allowed to reopen in the capital, except for those in Me Linh and Thuong Tin.

Such services as massage and karaoke parlors are still banned, however.

Similarly, businesses that serve food and drinks along local sidewalks are prohibited.

All shops and eateries can reopen but are required to make sure there is a safe distance between their customers.

“Diners should consider installing partitions at each table to protect their customers. Shopping malls and supermarkets must continue monitoring shoppers’ body temperature and reminding them to keep a safe distance [from one another],” Chung stated.

In Me Linh and Thuong Tin, authorities must make sure the lockdown at Dong Cuu and Ha Loi Villages, the two COVID-19 clusters, continue until their 14-day isolation periods are complete.

In other areas of the two districts, businesses that are not essential must remain closed until April 30.

Chairman Chung called on all people in the city to only go outside when necessary, and keep a distance from others in public areas.

Wearing face masks in public is still mandatory, and competent authorities will continue fining people who break this rule.

Those feeling unwell must stay home, while residents who have such symptoms as coughing, a fever, or a sore throat must immediately contact healthcare agencies for screening and quarantine, if necessary.

“All festivals and crowded activities such as sports competitions, cultural events, and religious activities are still suspended until April 30,” the official continued.

“The city is still not open to foreign visitors.”

Businesses running taxis, motorbike taxis, and passenger transport services are allowed to resume operations but at 20-30 percent of their normal capacity.

These firms have to make sure passengers always wear face masks, sanitize their hands, and do not sit close to one another.

Owners of local offices and factories are responsible for epidemic prevention and the control activities at their premises.

The novel coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has infected over 2.63 million people and killed more than 184,200 globally as of Thursday morning, according to Ministry of Health statistics.

Vietnam’s tally has remained unchanged at 268 since April 16, while 223 patients have recovered from the disease. The country has yet to record a virus-related death.

Hanoi has registered 123 cases so far, 25 of whom are still active.

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