An area in District 3, HCMC, has been locked down after two people living there tested positive for Covid-19. The city has suspended various services to prevent the spread of the pandemic - PHOTO: MINISTRY OF HEALTH

HCMC - The People’s Committee of HCMC on May 21 issued an urgent decision temporarily suspending multiple services to curb the spread of Covid-19 and discourage citizens from hanging out.

The municipal government asked departments and districts to stop a number of services including massage parlors, spas, leisure zones, music shows, theaters, cinemas, wedding and convention centers, buffet restaurants, karaoke parlors, dance clubs, bars, pubs, beer clubs, video game arcades, gymnastic, fitness, billiards and yoga centers, sporting centers and public spaces for physical activities.

Religious activities and festivals have also been suspended.

People have been asked to comply with social distancing measures and avoid large gatherings on Nguyen Hue and Bui Vien pedestrian streets and in the parks across the city.

Sidewalk food stalls and small restaurants have been instructed to offer takeaway and online services instead of on-site services. Restaurants with over 10 employees and those inside hotels are not allowed to concurrently serve more than 20 people.

Diners and employees at restaurants as well as delivery men must comply with Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures such as using hand sanitizers and keeping a safe physical distance from each other.

The city has also stopped conferences and seminars with over 30 people and banned gatherings of more than 20 people in public places. People have been encouraged to hold online conferences or meetings to avoid close contact.

Besides, the city will adopt necessary measures to ensure safety on the national election day, during which people will elect deputies to the 15th National Assembly and all-level People’s Councils for the 2021-2026 tenure.

For transport services, vehicles such as buses must not have more than 50% of their seats in use and transport more than 30 people, including drivers and assistants, per trip. Passengers must keep a safe physical distance from each other and wear face masks during their trip.

At coach stations, a safe distance between passengers must be ensured. The management boards of coach stations have also been asked to spray disinfectants regularly, especially in pick-up and drop-off areas, ticket booths and waiting rooms. Transport companies must disinfect their coaches after each trip.

Taxis and ride-hailing services are still allowed but drivers and passengers must strictly comply with preventive measures.

These directives are effective from today, May 22, until further notice.