Bars, karaoke services and discotheques in Hanoi are allowed to re-open under certain conditions as from 0:00 on Tuesday (March 23), the capital city’s authorities have announced, lifting the closure order enforced nearly two months ago.

A corner of La Siesta Bar in Hanoi. File Photo

He urged localities to closely enforce Covid-19 prevention and control measures once these services are re-opened.The requirements include a keeping of safe distance between one customer and another. Customers of the these services are required to make medical declarations through a QR code, and install BlueZone apps, according to Mr. Chu Xuan Dung - Vice Chairman of the City People's Committee at the online meeting on March 22.

Facilities that are found failing to comply with the disease prevention regulations will be shut down immediately.

At the meeting, Mr. Dung who chairs the city’s Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, said the city’s events with large attendance can be held provided that Covid-19 prevention measures are taken.

“Under the new normal conditions, the city is now easing restrictions to facilitate economic development and revitalizing socioeconomic activities.

A karaoke room in Hanoi. Photo Minh An

However, the risk of Covid-19 infection in the community in Hanoi is still very high, much higher than in neighboring provinces. Therefore, it is necessary to keep vigilance on SARS-CoV-2 due to the uncertain evolution of the pandemic at the national level,” he said.

Previously, a number of relics and places of interest in Hanoi such as Temple of Literature, Ngoc Son Temple, Tay Ho Temple welcomed visitors again on March 8. The ritual site of Huong (Perfume) Pagoda in the capital city's My Duc district reopened from March 13.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Director of the municipal health department Hoang Duc Hanh announced that the local outbreaks has been basically placed under control, with the city recording no new community cases for 35 consecutive days.

The government is now considering the “Covid-19 vaccine passport” implementation to open the borders while still ensuring the principle of “safety first”.