Vietnam: Officials extend strict COVID-19-related movement controls in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 15 /update 11

Event

Officials are extending current strict movement controls in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 15 due to COVID-19 activity. A nightly 18:00-06:00 curfew remains in effect. Individuals must remain in their homes, with exceptions for medical emergencies, essential and frontline workers, and military personnel. Military units will help enforce the controls and arrange for the distribution of essential goods. Residents in low-risk or green zones may leave their homes to visit markets once a week. All non-essential businesses remain suspended. Government agencies may operate at 25 percent capacity but must provide on-site accommodation for employees. Officials likely continue to ban public transport, including buses, taxis, and intracity and intercity bus services. Entry and exit controls also likely remain in place in the city, with exemptions for transporting essential goods and business reasons, among others. Officials plan to ease measures from Sept. 16.

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.