Vietnam maintains restrictions on entry despite relaxation of social distancing

Vietnam has eased social distancing orders after three weeks starting from April 1 and reopened the economy, but limits on immigration remain unchanged.

Vietnam Airlines keeps a close watch on precautionary measures. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

It means that the country remains closed to foreign entries except for special cases. All entrants must undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine.

Domestic flight frequencies have been increased between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City but remain limited while among other localities, the number of flights remains minimum.

Permission to reopening

Under Directive 19 signed by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on April 24, a number of sectors are allowed to resume operations.

Permission has been given to (1) restaurants, hotels, wholesales and retail markets, lottery, among other, (2) sightseeing and gymnasium, (3) interprovincial bus, taxi, and bus are allowed to operate with a capacity of 50% as maximum.

Meanwhile, ban remains in place with festivals, religious practices, sports event, and crow gatherings (at public places, and outside office, school, and hospital).

Notably, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc told people to adapt to “co-living with the pandemic”. It means that the people need to exercise preventive measures like wearing face masks at public places, keeping a distance of at least one meter, and practicing regular handwashing.

Municipal and provincial leaders are empowered to decide whether the locality should open entire or part of their land.

Hanoi remains at potential risk with a village placed under lockdown.

As of April 27, Vietnam confirmed 270 infections, including 225 convalescents and no deaths reported.