HCMC considers 'green passes' for fully vaccinated, Covid recoveries

The proposal, submitted Wednesday to the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, is part of preparations for scenarios after September 15.

The department said the number of new infections and deaths in the city should begin to fall after September 15 as coronavirus control measures were working.

As the city aims to vaccinate all its adult population, it can also look into relaxing certain restrictions gradually, based on infection risks and medical capabilities, the department said.

Depending on how well the virus has been contained, the "Covid-19 green passes" would allow the people to resume production and daily lives.

Those eligible to get the passes would include fully vaccinated people who have produced enough antibodies, and those who have recovered from Covid-19 within the last six months.

In areas where social distancing orders are under Directive 15, a more relaxed version than Directive 16, people who have recovered as well as fully vaccinated people under 65 without underlying conditions may resume schooling, traveling both domestically and internationally, as well as participate in public activities, the department has proposed. They will not have to wear masks or maintain social distancing.

Those who have received only one vaccine shot, people who have recovered as well as fully vaccinated people above 65 or with underlying conditions may also engage in the aforementioned activities, except for traveling overseas, but will have to wear masks and keep their distance as required under pandemic prevention and containment measures.

Directive 15 mandates suspension of all social events, bans gatherings of 10 people or more -- 20 or more at workplaces, schools and hospitals – and a social distance of two meters in public.

Directive 16 bans people from leaving home except for buying food or medicines or working where allowed.

In areas under Directive 16, those who have recovered from Covid-19 as well as fully vaccinated people under 65 without underlying conditions can participate in activities in public spaces like going to the supermarket, hospitals and clinics, attend schools and to work.

In the same areas, people who have received only one vaccine shot, people over 65 or have underlying conditions but have either recovered or been fully vaccinated, can go to school and work, but refrain from other activities in public spaces. They will also have to follow preventive measures like wearing masks and keeping their distance.

Ho Chi Minh City, epicenter of the fourth coronavirus wave, recorded 286,242 local Covid-19 cases in the new wave. The city has undergone a series of social distancing orders, with the latest one expected to last until mid-September.