AUTHORITIES in Ho Chi Minh City are mulling whether to give the "green pass" to all vaccinated people, including those who only got one dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
The city's health department made the proposal to the Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control, saying the passes would foster and expedite economic recovery.
According to a Vn Express report, the proposal said "green pass" holders would still have to abide by coronavirus control measures like wearing masks and maintain social distancing, and also take regular Covid-19 tests.
It also noted that the "green passes" would encourage people to get vaccinated.
In a previous draft plan, the "green passes" were to be granted only to fully vaccinated individuals, recovered Covid-19 cases, and self-tested coronavirus cases who have finished quarantine and whose bodies have produced antibodies.
The passes are valid for six months and is expected to allow holders to carry out certain activities such as domestic and international travel and participating in public events, without the usual Covid-19 restrictions.
The Express said that once the 'green pass' scheme is approved, the city is expected to test it in low risks areas like in districts 7, Cu Chi and Can Gio.
The city also plans to combine the various Covid-19 measures into a single app, to make it more convenient for the public and authorities.
It has also asked the government to provide QR codes for vehicles used by pass holders.
Ho Chi Minh City is the epicenter of Vietnam's fourth coronavirus wave and has recorded more than 331,000 local Covid-19 cases so far. Nearly 13,000 deaths have also been reported.
The city has vaccinated around 6.8 million people with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot while around two million people have been fully vaccinated.
It has implemented a series of strict social distancing orders, with the latest to extend until the end of this month.
While control measures remain in place, the city is beginning to shift its coronavirus fighting strategy to slowly and gradually lifting restrictions starting with areas where it is relatively under control and transitioning to a "new normal."