Hanoi to extend social distancing measures

Hanoi’s Party Committee said the city will apply the strictest social distancing rules in areas with very high risks of COVID-19 exposure, or red zones, requiring everyone to "shelter in place".  In orange and green zones, tighter measures than Directive 15 will be applied to organize the recovery of production and support red zones.

The decision to continue with the social distancing was made by the Standing Board of the Hanoi Municipal Party Committee who voted unanimously on September 2 to keep the measures in place.

They came to the decision following continued COVID-19 complications in the capital, including the emergence of a number of new cluster areas around the city that have seen a sharp increase in cases.

Zonal decisions will be based on risk levels and geographical characteristics, including inner city areas with high population density, businesses, offices and service establishments.

The amount of industrial production facilities in an area, for example north of the Red River and agricultural production, like in the south and western regions of the city, will also be taken into consideration.

Those living in areas designated green or orange will at the very least be required to adhere to Directive 15 which requires suspension of social events, bans gatherings of 20 people or more in one place and of 10 people or more outside workplaces, schools and hospitals. A minimum distance of two meters between people in public places should be ensured.

Authorities said Directive 15 rules may be tightened, depending on individual circumstances of particular zones.

Directive 15 requires suspension of social events, bans gatherings of 20 people or more in one place and of 10 people or more outside workplaces, schools and hospitals. A minimum distance of two meters between people in public places should be ensured.