More beach destinations ease social restrictions

Authorities in the northern port city of Hai Phong allowed tourist destinations to reopen from Sunday but only serve people living and working in the city.

Restaurants, catering services, outdoor sports activities, public parks and flower gardens are permitted to resume operation, but no gatherings of more than 20 people are allowed and people are required to keep a minimum distance of one to two meters.

Accommodation establishments are also allowed to reopen but not receive guests from pandemic-hit areas.

Hai Phong, around two hours from Hanoi and known for Do Son beach and Cat Ba Island, has recorded three community transmissions during the fourth coronavirus wave that hit the country on April 27.

Currently, all flights from Hai Phong to Ho Chi Minh City are suspended.

Authorities in the central province of Khanh Hoa, home to famous beach town Nha Trang, also allowed gyms, fitness centers and pool table services to resume operation from Sunday while restaurants, street food stalls and indoor catering services could serve customers but must ensure a minimum distance of one meter.

Provincial authorities also allowed swimming at public beaches but large crowds are discouraged. Parking lots along these beaches remain closed until further notice.

With the pandemic situation under control, tourist hotspots like Hue, Hoi An, Da Nang and Ha Long have reopened popular destinations and lifted the swimming ban with safeguards.

Since the latest Covid-19 wave, Vietnam has recorded 6,937 infections in 39 cities and provinces.