HCMC – HCMC is set to continue applying strict social distancing measures in line with the prime minister’s Directive 16 while mulling piloting Covid-19 yellow and green passes after September 15 as scheduled earlier, said HCMC Vice Chairman Duong Anh Duc.
At a seminar on pandemic prevention and control on September 12, Duc spoke about the city’s anti-pandemic measures after September 15 and plans to apply the green and yellow pass policy.
Duc said some areas in the city might employ anti-pandemic measures that are stricter than those under Directive 16. Meanwhile, some others, which have basically brought the pandemic under control, such as Can Gio and Cu Chi districts, could ease the measures to be less stringent than those under Directive 16 but stricter than those under Directive 15.
The city will study the green and yellow pass policy or similar ones to create conditions for the resumption of some Covid-safe activities. However, safety must be the top priority.
HCMC has worked with the Ministry of Information and Communications to synchronize the information of residents. Residents will be given green or yellow passes if they meet the requirements.
Specifically, Covid green passes will be given to people who have received two doses of the vaccine and the passes will be valid two weeks after the second shot.
Meanwhile, people who have received one Covid vaccine shot and have had enough time to produce antibodies are eligible for a yellow pass.
The city will also consult with experts to help residents who find it hard to apply technology to benefit from the policy.
HCMC has administered some 7.8 million Covid-19 vaccine doses to local residents, including 1.3 million people having received both shots. However, most of these people are old and with underlying illnesses and have been advised against traveling.
Therefore, the number of green pass holders after September 9 will be small.
By Le Anh
