Hanoi bars and clubs reopen as COVID-19 pandemic is under control
As the third wave of COVID-19 hit Vietnam in late July, nightlife activities across the country, including Hanoi, were put on hold to curtail the spread of the virus.
Vietnam currently has a total of 1,063 recorded COVID-19 cases, with 35 deaths to date. As of today, Vietnam has reported 14 consecutive days with zero community cases of COVID-19, indicating that the country has the pandemic in check and is ready to reopen businesses.
Following Saigon’s reopening of nightlife venues on 9th September, Hanoi’s bars and pubs have also been given the go-ahead to resume operations from 16th September.
Hanoi to reopen nightspots from today
Image adapted from: 1900
Following the gradual relaxation of restrictions for non-essential businesses across the country, Hanoi municipal leaders gave bars and pubs the nod to reopen their doors starting from 16th September.
To ensure public safety, bars and pubs are required to take precautionary measures, such as disinfecting their venues and enhancing fire prevention. These venues will also need to make sure their guests sanitize their hands and have their temperatures measured at the entrance.
Image adapted from: IP Club
In response, bars and pubs in Hanoi have put out statements on social media announcing their reopening.
Image adapted from: 1900
1900 Theatre, one of Hanoi’s biggest clubs, is celebrating their reopening by offering free entry to all of its guests tonight.
Vietnam reopened borders to expats and diplomats from 15th September
Image credit: Vietnam Airlines
As the COVID-19 pandemic is under control, restrictions on domestic and international flights were also lifted, according to Tuổi Trẻ.
Soon after domestic flights were resumed, Vietnam decided to reopen international air routes with neighboring countries such as China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea from 15th September.
Operating twice a week, these flights will carry family members of Vietnam-based expats, work visa holders, and diplomats back and forth. Passengers who transit from a third country that’s not included in the above-mentioned list of countries will not be allowed to board.
Image credit: Vietnam Airlines
In order to get on these flights, passengers must submit their RT–PCR test results proving that they are negative for SARS-CoV-2 at least 3 days prior to the flight departure.
Once these passengers land in Vietnam, they will be tested for COVID-19 using the RT-PCR method again before being quarantined upon arrival for 5 days in appointed quarantine facilities.
Meanwhile, flights between Vietnam and Laos and Cambodia are estimated to resume from 22nd September.
Hanoi’s nightlife hubs reopened, international flights resumed
As a result of prompt and decisive testing and quarantine, Vietnam has achieved good results in containing the third COVID-19 outbreak that started in July. Residents in Vietnam’s cities that once saw a great number of community cases such as Da Nang and Hai Duong have already slowly returned to normal life.
While these are positive signs that a victory against COVID-19 is within reach, we should continue to keep our guard up and wear masks in public to protect ourselves.
Also check out:
- Da Nang eases its way out of COVID-19 lockdown, new school year begins
- Travellers to Vietnam shall pay for quarantine accommodation
- Vietnamese men wear ao dai to work
- Vietnam reopens nightlife venues as COVID-19 is under control
Cover image adapted from: 1900
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