Starting at 6am today, Hanoi began applying social distancing rules under the previous Directive 15, allowing various shops to reopen and businesses to function at 50% capacity.

According to VnExpress, the decision came down yesterday night and was issued by municipal People's Committee Chairman Chu Ngọc Anh. The city will follow Directive 15, and some stricter measurements only where necessary, until all of its residents are fully vaccinated.

Specifically, most businesses and organizations can have half of their employees in the office, while the rest will work from home. Gatherings are permitted as long as there are fewer than 20 people in a room, and fewer than 10 in a public space. 

Services that are allowed to operate again include shopping malls, barbershops, clothing and cosmetics stores, book stores, repair shops, office supply stores, banks, rehab centers, etc. E-commerce platforms and delivery services are also allowed to resume. Food and beverage services are still only allowed for takeaways or deliveries, and they must close before 9pm.

The city has also cancelled its zoning setup, meaning travel permits are no longer required, but it shall maintain 22 checkpoints at gateways to and from Hanoi and 33 checkpoints in districts, towns and neighboring provinces. People are still strongly encouraged to stay at home and only go out for essential necessities. 

All public transport services, including inter-provincial transport, remain suspended. Cultural, sports, religious and entertainment activities are also banned. 

Dan Tri reported that nearly 100% of Hanoians aged 18 or over have received at least one dose of a COVID-19 vaccine, but only 12% have received their second dose. The city hopes that, if there are sufficient doses, all adults will be vaccinated by November.

[Photo by Hoài Anh via Lao Dong]