Vietnam Partially Lifts Social Distancing Measures

'Zero' New Cases for 6 Days After the 16th

Over 83% of Cumulative Confirmed Cases Have Recovered

Quarantine Lifted Except for Merin District in Hanoi

Restaurants and Service Industries, Public Transportation Resume

Crowds Gather in Korean Town 'Midingsongda' Area

Early Control of Foreign Entry Effective in Initial Phase of Epidemic

Economic Recovery from Impact Expected to Take Time

[Asia Economy Hanoi, Guest Reporter Jo Ara] When the Vietnamese government partially lifted the social quarantine that had been in place for a month, the streets became lively for the first time in a while. In the 'Midingsongda' area, the Korean town in Hanoi, many people gathered right after the quarantine was lifted to enjoy dining out. Vietnam's quarantine lift took effect at midnight on the 23rd, excluding only a few areas such as Merin District in Hanoi. This followed the announcement by the Vietnamese Ministry of Health on the 16th at 6 a.m. that no new COVID-19 cases had been reported for six consecutive days. Among the 268 cumulative confirmed cases, over 83% have been declared recovered and discharged, and there have been no deaths due to COVID-19 infection.

Accordingly, in most regions nationwide, some service industries such as restaurants were allowed to operate, and public transportation resumed. Especially, among the 63 major cities and provinces nationwide, 59 areas excluding Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Bac Ninh, and Ha Giang Province were classified as low-risk areas, allowing 9th graders and high school students to return to school in phases. Vietnam was able to resume economic activities relatively quickly among Southeast Asian countries because it focused its quarantine efforts from the beginning by controlling the entry of some foreigners, including Koreans. Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said, "This is a victory as we move toward a stage of long-term quarantine along with socio-economic development."

Although daily life has resumed, it is expected to take considerable time for economic recovery. Even after the quarantine was lifted, many stores remain closed. Many shops continue to offer aggressive promotions to stimulate demand, but complaints persist that visitor numbers remain low, causing difficulties. There are also ongoing calls to refrain from visiting public places such as workplaces, schools, hospitals, religious activities, and sports grounds. In rural areas, there is strong opinion that non-essential services and businesses such as shopping malls, entertainment, beauty facilities, and clubs must remain closed according to authorities' directives. Heads of institutions and organizations have emphasized planning work activities to ensure worker safety and avoiding unnecessary meetings.

According to recent data from the Vietnamese Ministry of Planning and Investment, it is estimated that 5 million Vietnamese have lost their jobs due to the COVID-19 crisis. The urban unemployment rate was 3.18%, higher than the rural rate of 1.7%. The Vietnamese government has prepared a support package for large, medium, and small enterprises struggling due to COVID-19. Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh stated, "Since cash flow and business conditions are difficult, we are considering exemptions from fees and taxes." Meanwhile, the Vietnamese government announced that it will increase this month's rice export volume from the previously limited 400,000 tons to 500,000 tons to secure food security.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.