(VOVWORLD) - After months of a stringent lockdown to fight COVID-19, HCM city, Vietnam’s epicenter, has begun to resume economic activities under 'new normal' conditions. VOV’s correspondent in HCM city has the story.
 Bus route No 128 in Can Gio district is one of 4 routes that have resumed operation since October 5, 2021. |
As soon as social distancing restrictions were eased on October 1, HCM city hospitals saw high numbers of outpatients. Both the patients and medical facilities have continued their strict disease control measures, according to Doctor Tran Van Khanh, Director of Le Van Thinh Hospital in Thu Duc city.
“All visiting patients must be tested right at the hospital gate. If their quick test is negative, inpatients must still wait in a temporary isolation room for a confirmation from a PCR test, both to avoid cross-contamination and to ensure the safety of medical staff and patients with underlying conditions or chronic diseases," said Khanh.
 Buyers and sellers in Binh Thoi market in District 11 keep a safe distance as per COVID-19 regulations. (Photo: nld.com.vn) |
Many production and business activities and services, including buses, have resumed operation. Last Tuesday, 4 bus routes were reopened in Can Gio district, one of the areas in HCM city that have controlled the epidemic most effectively.
“The reopening of this bus route makes our travel easier. I’m happy that life is gradually returning to normal. I hope other bus routes in the inner city, and ride-hailing services, will soon be allowed to operate again,” said Nguyen Thi Tra, one of the first people to take advantage of the resuming bus service.
Ho Chi Minh City has reopened several traditional markets, including Ben Thanh, An Dong, and Binh Thoi, and restored many public services.
Nguyen Thi Thuy Hang, a resident of Phu Nhuan district, who registers for a new embedded-chip ID card, told VOV, “Queuing doesn’t take much time. When your turn comes, before you have your finger print and photo taken, you’re disinfected by the police officers in charge. It's very convenient and fast."
Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the HCM city People's Committee, said he believes the trust, support, and cooperation of the city's residents for municipal efforts to control the epidemic will soon make life return to normal.