Tourism sector busy on holidays after social distancing eased

Ha Long Bay

The People’s Committee of the northern province of Quang Ninh decided to allow intra-provincial and inter-provincial public transport services and tourist activities from midday on May 1 on Ha Long Bay and at the Yen Tu relic site, the Quang Ninh Museum, the provincial library, and the Tra Co - Mong Cai national tourism site. The province therefore kick-starts its tourist activities three days earlier than originally planned on May 4.

According to a document the People’s Committee sent to relevant departments, sectors, and localities, from midday on May 1 inter-sectoral COVID-19 prevention and control stations will take the body temperature of all visitors to the province. To ease any congestion, those with no visible symptoms do not have to make a medical declaration.

Inspections and patrols are being maintained at border areas such as Mong Cai, Hai Ha, and Binh Lieu.

Businesses, hotels, restaurants, cafés, golf courses, and travel agents are allowed to resume operations, while public passenger vehicles are requested to carry half the number of regular passengers per trip and beaches have been asked to monitor any crowding.

As in previous years, many people have flocked to the Kim Lien relic site in northern Nghe An province’s Nam Dan district - the homeland of the late President Ho Chi Minh - during the four-day holiday to pay their respects, as May 19 is the birthday of the leader.

According to preliminary figures, the site welcomed around 7,000 people on April 30 and May 1. All had their body temperature taken and washed their hands with antibacterial sanitiser prior to entering the site.

Nguyen Bao Tuan, Director of the Kim Lien Relic Site Management Board, said it reopened its doors on April 28 and staff are guiding guests on disease prevention.

Neighbouring Thanh Hoa province has also seen an impressive number of tourists, especially to its beautiful beaches.

Deputy Director of the Thanh Hoa Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism Vuong Thi Hai Yen said the top priority for the local tourism sector is the safety of tourists and the community.

Visitors must abide by all regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control when at tourist attractions.