Many noodle restaurants on Cao Thang Street in District 3 opened early to serve breakfasts.

The restaurant owner, Nguyen Tieu Bich Tran, said that she reopened to serve takeaway orders nearly a month ago and was happy to fully resume operations from today. "At present, we only operate at half capacity to ensure safe distancing following the city's Covid-19 prevention regulations," she said. "Staff members are asked to wear face masks and gloves."

The same day, many cafes in District 1 and District 3 also reopened and attracted lots of customers in the early morning.

Phuong Nhu, a cafe staff member on Pham Ngoc Thach Street in District 3 said that they had received lots of customers who were mostly office staff in the morning and sometimes they had to refuse due to the limited capacity.

Bich Nga, manager at a Highlands Coffee shop said that they now could only serve 30 customers at a time. "Customers are asked to do a QR health declaration scan and disinfect their hands before being served at our cafe," she said.

Trinh Anh Thu (left) met a friend at a cafe during lunchtime. He said that he felt really relaxed when going out and meeting friends again after five months locked indoors.

Many street-side restaurants and cafes were also crowded with customers. They must close at 9 pm each day.

District 7 and Thu Duc city, due to their success in containing outbreaks, are allowed to carry out a pilot period of selling alcohol starting tomorrow until November 15, with specific areas to be decided by local authorities.

The two localities will report to the city’s authorities after November 15 to inform their decisions on whether to expand the permission to other localities.