The Directive stated achievements in combating the COVID-19 pandemic over the past time but also affirmed: “The disease is still developing in a very complicated manner and outbreak is still a major threat. This negatively affects socio-economic development and everyday life.”

In order to ensure effective implementation of epidemic prevention and control while reopening the economy to ensure social security and stability, the Prime Minister hereby requests that ministries, ministerial agencies, governmental agencies, the People's Committees of provinces shall adhere to the following principles.

The country is fighting a "war" against COVID-19. This requires participation of the entire political system and the whole population, good discipline and responsibility of the leaders, strict implementation of epidemic prevention and control measures. Maintain business operation and creation of employment under management of the People’s Committees of provinces and certain conditions;

A new stage of prevention and control of COVID-19 (Illustrative image)

In particular, the Directive states: “Restrictions could be loosen according to the epidemic situation; reopen the economy while maintaining control over the epidemic situation, especially in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and major cities.”

The Prime Minister assigned Ministries, related agencies, People's Committees of provinces and cities directly under the Central Government to continue directing the implementation of medical measures. Continue the suspension of religious festivals, rituals and sports tournaments, events gathering crowds in public places, stadiums, and big unnecessary events.

Temporarily suspend the operation of non-essential service businesses (amusement parks, entertainment centers, beauty establishments, karaoke, massage parlors, bars, dancing halls, etc.) and other business establishments in accordance with the decision or direction of the Chairman of the People's Committee of provinces and cities directly under the Central Government.

In addition to the above-mentioned services, wholesale, retail, lotteries, hotels, accommodation establishments, restaurants, bars, etc., sport training facilities, antique and beauty spots are allowed to be back to operation but it must be ensured that measures are properly applied to guarantee safety against the epidemic.

The operation of public inter-municipal and inter-provincial transport are resumed along with ensuring safety against the epidemic under the guidance of the Ministry of Transport. Particularly for the passenger carriage by air, appropriate aviation-specific measures must be applied, ensuring safety for passengers and preventing the spread of the epidemics

Reduce and divide the number of students in the classrooms, disallow the arrangement of class time, lunch, group activities to avoid gathering crowds; implementation of classroom disinfection; incorporate online and offline learning, implement preventive measures for students.

Factories and production facilities continue to operate and must apply measures to prevent and control the epidemic for workers and laborers.

The heads of agencies, units, organizations, establishments, etc. must not organize unnecessary meetings and conferences; not to delay work, especially for jobs with the statute of limitations as stated in the law, and public services for people and businesses.

For events serving the purposes of politics, economic or social that need to take place, they must be decided by the committees and local governments. Measures are made sure to be applied to combat the infection, including not to organize festivals and celebrations.

The Directive also stated that the Prime Minister is taking things into consideration then will decide the risk of the epidemic infection for each province and city directly under the Central Government according to the proposal of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control.