NDO - The Ho Chi Minh City government has permitted the reopening of many economic and social activities starting from October 1 after months of social distancing to prevent the spread of COVID-19.

The reopening is being carried out on the principle of safety first, according to the press conference on new measures to curb the virus and restore socio-economic development on September 30.

Economic activities allowed to resume include industrial parks, construction, agricultural businesses, shopping centres, convenient stores, traditional and wholesale markets, fuel supply and repair of vehicles.

Public offices, healthcare facilities, drug stores, education and sports activities are also allowed to reopen while no more than 10 people are permitted to gather at indoor events.

Barbers and hairdressers are also permitted to reopen but with a maximum capacity of 50% while food shops can only offer takeaway.

Starting from October 1, barriers will be removed and local citizens can travel within the city without travel permits but are required to use QR codes on mobile apps with their vaccination history.

* In the central city of Da Nang, local residents rejoiced after being allowed to swim in the sea as the city began to return to normal starting September 30.

The city authorities will now permit people to go to the sea from 4:30 to 6:30 in the morning but still ban eating and paddling on the beach.

Besides beach swimming, other sports activities such as jogging, running, yoga and badminton are also allowed but participants must following the Ministry of Health’s guidelines.