Ho Chi Minh City plans to reopen economy after September 15

Ho Chi Minh City gradually reopens the economy

This was announced on September 10 at a conference to collect comments from the business community to finalise the draft plan for COVID-19 prevention and control as well as economic recovery.

Currently, the city's goal is to basically control the pandemic by September 15 and restore the economy, bringing the city to a state of "new normal". The easing of social distancing in Ho Chi Minh City is based on the principle of safety and flexibility according to the results of pandemic prevention. City residents will be handed green or yellow COVID-19 cards based on vaccination status (green for both shots, yellow for one).

The COVID-19 cards will play an important role in controlling people during economic reopening and recovery after September 15. These cards will be issued to individuals meeting all medical and epidemiological requirements.

Ho Chi Minh City plans to reopen the economy in three phases.

Phase 1 is expected to begin on September 16 and last until October 31. During this phase, individuals and employees holding green COVID-19 cards will be uninhibited in their movements except for karaoke bars, discotheques, bars, massage parlours, on-site catering services operating in amusement parks, sports, cinemas, and commercial centres.

Individuals and employees with a yellow card and a negative COVID-19 test will also be allowed to participate in a number of fields as of yet undisclosed.

Phase 2 will last from October 31 to January 15, 2022. In particular, the city will expand the activities allowed for COVID-19 green card holders to include shopping centres, sports training centres, outdoor recreational activities, as well as catering services that are small in scale and ensure the prescribed distancing and host fewer than 20 people at any one time.

Phase 3 is expected to begin on January 15, 2022. The city plans to reopen all activities. However, visitors to karaoke bars, discotheques, bars, massage parlours, will need to have a green card.