Are you looking forward to hitting cinemas again?

Yesterday, Saigon authorities approved new lockdown policies which will partially relax restrictions placed on local businesses before Tet, according to Thanh Nien.

Specifically, from March 1, the shutdown will continue for the following types of venues: discotheques, bars, karaoke parlors, pubs, beer clubs and other indoor recreational facilities such as gyms and yoga studios.

Other businesses not listed are allowed to reopen, though proprietors must put in place preventative measures such as mask requirements and free hand sanitizers.

These include cineplexes, wholesale markets and supermarkets, libraries, eateries, museums and other tourist attractions. Food and beverage services cannot serve more than 30 patrons at the same time. Religious services and events can resume under the new regulations but are limited to 50 people.

Recently, education officials also agreed to reopen public schools and universities starting next Monday. Local institutions had to extend their Tet holiday by over a week while due to the uncertain COVID-19 situation earlier this month.

Since Tet, district governments have been doing random coronavirus testing on inspection trips to nhậu restaurants in their community. A task force by the Binh Thanh People’s Committee took 40 samples from random patrons and staff of restaurants along Phan Van Tri and Pham Van Dong streets on February 22. On the same night, inspectors from District 1 visited 80 restaurants and cafes in Pham Ngu Lao and Ben Nghe wards to check if they complied with the 30-people cap.