HCMC – Sidewalk food stalls and small restaurants in HCMC will start offering takeaway and online services only from 6 p.m. today, May 21, said HCMC Chairman Nguyen Thanh Phong.

The decision was made at a meeting of the municipal steering committee for Covid-19 infection prevention and control after the city detected five new locally-infected cases over the past three days, the local media reported. Restaurants with over 10 employees and those inside hotels are not allowed to concurrently serve more than 20 people and to ensure a safe distance between them. The city also sought the suspension of festivals, conferences, seminars and religious events with over 30 people. In addition, gatherings of more than 20 people in public places have also been banned. In general, the city is controlling the pandemic well, so departments, agencies and districts should stay calm but focused, Phong said HCMC's districts and Thu Duc City must consider Covid-19 prevention and control as their top priority. Earlier, chairpersons of many districts proposed the city shut food stalls and small restaurants after some new cases were found to be linked to eateries. However, others expressed concern that the livelihood of many food vendors, restaurant owners and employees would be affected.