In Dong Thap Province, students will not return to school until September 15, with the new academic year scheduled to formally begin on September 20.

The decision came as the province has continued to record cases of COVID-19 community transmission in five districts and cities as well as dozens of other cases in isolated areas.

The province has so far reported 6,366 cases and 121 deaths.

Students in Kien Giang Province will also begin their school year on September 20, two weeks later than the original date.

Previously, the province had planned to let local students learn online after the school year opening ceremony until the pandemic is put under control, but Kien Giang is facing difficulties due to inadequate economic conditions and technology coverage.

In a directive issued on August 24, Minister of Education and Training Nguyen Kim Son asked local education authorities to implement the 2021-2022 school year in a flexible manner in accordance with their local coronavirus situation.

The ceremonies to open the new school year may be conducted in virtual or physical forms but must be safe, concise and substantive, the minister said.