Residents across Ho Chi Minh City left their homes on Friday morning to stretch their legs in parks and on streets following a months-long ban on outdoor physical activities to curb the spread of COVID-19.

Jogging, cycling, and badminton were amongst the most popular sports for the locals on Friday morning, with many donning face masks and face shields during their first outdoor exercises in months.

“Being inactive at home over the past three months has left my arms and legs stiff," said Tuan, a resident of Binh Thanh District who had spent the morning exercising on the streets near his home.

"I’m very happy to be able to jog again.”

During a meeting on Thursday, vice-chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Le Hoa Binh stated that residents would be allowed to play sports and perform physical activities in public from Friday.

Residents who are not fully vaccinated against COVID-19 must not gather in groups of more than 15.

Fully vaccinated residents or those who have recovered from the disease must not gather in groups of more than 100.

Ho Chi Minh City is the hardest-hit locality in the country during this fourth wave, with 388,659 local infections recorded since April 27.

The city has implemented enhanced social distancing measures at various levels since May 31 and loosened multiple restrictions from Friday to bolster economic growth, after vaccinating the majority of its adult population with at least one jab.

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