Vietnam: Officials plan to divide Hanoi into respective COVID-19 threat areas, extend varying measures through at least Sept. 21 /update 6

Event

Officials plan to categorize districts in Hanoi into three zones - Zone 1, 2, and 3 - in decreasing order of COVID-19 transmission risk and implement varying COVID-19 curbs accordingly 06:00 Sept. 6-06:00 Sept. 21. Areas in each zone include:

• Zone 1: Ba Dinh, Cau Giay, Dong Da, Ha Dong, Hai Ba Trung, Hoan Kiem, Hoang Mai, Tay Ho, Thanh Tri, and Thanh Xuan, and parts of Bac Tu Liem, Hoai Duc, Nam Tu Liem, Thanh Oai, and Thuong Tin.

• Zone 2: Dong Anh, Gia Lam, Long Bien, Me Linh, and Soc Son.

• Zone 3: Ba Vi, Chuong My, Dan Phuong, My Duc, Phu Xuyen, Phuc Tho, Quoc Oai, Son Tay, Thach That, Ung Hoa, and the remaining areas of Bac Tu Liem, Hoai Duc, Nam Tu Liem, Thanh Oai, and Thuong Tin.

Residents in Zone 1 must remain at home except for essential purposes, such as purchasing food, seeking medical care, or working in essential industries. Nonessential businesses and passenger transport, and outdoor gatherings of more than two people will remain banned. In Zone 2, gatherings with 10 or more participants outside of school, office, or hospital premises and social events with 20 or more people will remain suspended. Authorities also require people to observe a 2-meter (7-feet) social distancing rule in public. Less strict measures will be in force in Zone 3, though with additional protocols for manufacturing industries.

Authorities will close all roads connecting Zone 1 to the other regions to limit nonessential travel in and out of the high-risk area; police will set up additional checkpoints to enforce the restriction. Other nationwide measures, including the use of facemasks in public, will remain.

Heightened security and severe business and transport disruptions will likely continue across Hanoi, particularly in areas with stricter controls. Officials may require individuals traveling to Hanoi from other regions in Vietnam to quarantine at designated facilities. Authorities allow up to two passenger flights daily between Hanoi's Noi Bai International Airport (HAN) and Ho Chi Minh City's Tan Son Nhat International Airport (SGN). Domestic travelers must provide negative COVID-19 test results.

Advice

Consider deferring nonessential travel to Hanoi for the duration of the strict movement and gathering controls. Follow all official instructions. Remain polite and cooperative if questioned by security personnel. Avoid crowded areas. Stock up on essential supplies as a precaution. Confirm all travel reservations. Make allowances for possible additional domestic travel restrictions if operating in the region. Abide by national health and safety measures. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Maintain contact with your diplomatic representation. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions. Reconsider and reconfirm nonemergency health appointments.