The single trip will happen every Saturday from this week onwards, authorities announced Monday.

 

The move aims to limit the gathering of crowds after Ho Chi Minh City recorded 16 Covid-19 cases in the resurgence of community transmissions in Vietnam since July 25. Of the new infections in the city, eight are linked to the Da Nang outbreak and eight are imported cases.

 

The express boat service, launched July 10, would return to normal only after the new Covid-19 wave is contained, the municipal Transport Department said.

 

The service departs from Bach Dang Wharf in HCMC's District 1 to Thu Dau Mot Town, capital of neighboring Binh Duong Province, stopping en route at the Ben Dinh Wharf in HCMC's Cu Chi District, home to the famous underground Cu Chi tunnels.

 

Binh Duong, a manufacturing hub in southern Vietnam, is also home to Dau Tieng, Vietnam's largest manmade lake, many traditional craft villages, and the Lady Thien Hau Temple, one of the country's most popular spiritual destinations.

 

One-way tickets on the service costs VND220,000 ($9.4) per person.

 

Seven community transmission cases confirmed Tuesday evening in Da Nang took the national Covid-19 tally to 1,029 and active cases to 409.

 

Saigon has banned all gatherings of more than 30 people, as well as events like festivals, fairs and non-urgent conferences and meetings. It has also ordered all bars and dance clubs to close.

 

By Nguyen Nam VNE