Vietnam: Officials to impose stricter COVID-19-related movement controls in Ho Chi Minh City from 00:01 Aug. 23 /update 10

Event

Officials plan to impose stricter movement controls throughout Ho Chi Minh City from 00:01 Aug. 23 in response to ongoing COVID-19 activity. Individuals will be required to remain in their residences and nearly all businesses will be closed. Some emergency exceptions to the controls are possible, although authorities did not immediately specify details on potentially authorized movements or activities. It remains unclear how long the new directives will remain in effect. Military units will help to enforce the controls and arrange for the distribution of essential goods.

Authorities had previously extended social distancing measures in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 15. These restrictions will continue through 23:59 Aug. 22 and may be reintroduced after stricter controls are lifted. All residents must remain at home except when seeking medical care, working in essential industries, or purchasing essential goods. A nightly 18:00-06:00 curfew also remains in effect. Exemptions from the curfew are allowed for certain essential purposes, such as seeking medical help, obtaining vaccinations, or working in an essential industry, among other reasons. Nonessential gatherings are limited to two people. Individuals must keep a distance of at least 2 meters (6 feet) from one another. Nonessential business operations and cultural, recreational, and sports activities in public venues remain suspended. Government agencies may operate with 25 percent of employees on site. Officials ban most public transport, including buses, taxis, and intracity and intercity bus services. Entry and exit controls remain in place in the city, with exemptions for transporting essential goods and business reasons, among others.

Officials have reduced the frequency of flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to one flight daily. Authorities require outbound travelers from Ho Chi Minh City to undergo a 14-day quarantine at their destination and take COVID-19 tests on days 1, 7, and 13 of their stays. Most provinces require a negative COVID-19 test result for individuals arriving from Ho Chi Minh City. Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN) is providing rapid COVID-19 test services for passengers.

Authorities are strictly enforcing the restrictions, including imposing fines of up to VND 3 million on individuals found outside their residences without a valid reason. Officials also require factories to arrange for workers to live and stay on-site in order to maintain production operations.

Officials will likely maintain heightened security measures, including at checkpoints across Ho Chi Minh City, to ensure compliance with the latest restrictions. Additional extensions are possible, depending on COVID-19 activity.

Advice

Strictly heed the instructions of authorities. Avoid all nonessential operations in areas impacted by restrictions. Confirm appointments. Remain cooperative if approached and questioned by law enforcement officers. Make allowances for business disruptions.