Hanoi leaders have mentioned the possibility of loosening social distancing from September 15 if the spread of the coronavirus can be curbed. HCM City is also considering loosening social distancing regulations two weeks after September 15.

Contributing about 45% of the country’s GDP, HCM City and Hanoi are considered the two engines pulling the national economy. Both must be healthy and go hand in hand to revive the pandemic-hit economy.

The Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI) plans to submit its economic recovery project to competent authorities for approval in October, with the 2022 to 2023 period to be identified as the ideal time for recovery efforts.

The plan to restore the domestic air transport market, developed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV), has been divided into three phases.

The Hanoi authorities are considering relaxing restrictions on selected services as the capital city seeks to revive the economy following the improvement of the coronavirus situation.

The Ministry of Health is working on guidance on the roadmap to return to the "new normal" and reopen the economy, scheduled to be issued by September 15.

From April 1 to June 30, Vietnam Airlines will expand the operation of four international air routes: Hanoi - Narita (Tokyo, Japan), Hanoi - Incheon (Seoul, South Korea), Hanoi - Sydney and Ho Chi Minh City - Sydney (Australia).

Restaurants in Hanoi will be allowed to re-open under certain requirements as from 0:00 on March 2, heard at a meeting of the capital COVID-19 prevention and control steering committee on March 1.

The resumption of foreigners’ entry into Vietnam is one of the urgent tasks to be done to spur economic growth while Vietnam has to remain vigilant to the coronavirus. 

After being forcibly closed for three months as a way of combatting the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) epidemic, the majority of karaoke bars around Hanoi have remained quiet after re-opening, even during the weekend.

Many Hanoians and their children enjoy flying kites after months of staying at home to avoid Covid-19 propagation.

The majority of bars located on the popular Bui Vien walking street in Ho Chi Minh City have stayed close, despite the lifting of the social distancing order, leaving the usually bustling backpacker street quiet.

Heads of many universities in Ho Chi Minh City, especially medical and pharmacy, on March 6 sought the People’s Committee’s approval to reopen on March 16 after six weeks of closure due to COVID-19 epidemic.