Hanoi will stop checking travel permits from September 21st.

On the afternoon of September 19th, during an online meeting between the City Command Center and the Command Centers of departments, agencies, districts, and towns regarding COVID-19 prevention and control, Vice Chairman of the Hanoi People's Committee Duong Duc Tuan informed that after September 21st, the city will no longer be divided into zones as before, but will instead be divided into areas with high risk to ensure effective disease prevention and control. Specifically, areas with a very high risk of F0 cases will become "red zones" and will be subject to Directive No. 16, implementing lockdown and medical isolation.

Regarding some key principles and directions after September 21st, the city will no longer apply zoning regulations or travel permits for organizations, individuals, and businesses moving within the city. Information technology will be increasingly used to monitor movement. No additional administrative procedures will be introduced for individuals or businesses.

The city also plans to allow construction projects to resume, provided safety is ensured. Construction will not be allowed in areas with outbreaks, or projects underway that detect a COVID-19 case must be halted. "Experience shows that easing restrictions must be accompanied by strict control. The city will maintain 23 checkpoints at its entry and exit points," Mr. Tuan said. This means that people traveling from Hanoi to other provinces and people entering the city from other provinces will be strictly controlled.

The city will continue administering the second dose of the Covid-19 vaccine to residents aged 18 and older in October and November when supplies become available. Mr. Tuan assessed this as a crucial condition for achieving the "dual goal" of both preventing and controlling the epidemic and developing the socio-economic sector.

During the fourth wave of the pandemic, Hanoi recorded 3,922 COVID-19 cases. The number of cases has decreased from an average of 71.2 cases per day during the first lockdown period to currently 15 cases per day. The city still has some hotspots such as Viet Hung ward (Long Bien district), Thanh Xuan Trung (Thanh Xuan district) and a few areas in Hoang Mai and Dong Da districts.

Over 5.6 million people aged 18 and over have received their first dose of the vaccine, reaching a rate of 94.2%.

Huyen Chau - Photo: Internet