Vietnam: Officials to ease COVID-19 restrictions in Ho Chi Minh City from Oct. 1 /update 13

Event

Officials will ease COVID-19 restrictions in Ho Chi Minh City from Oct. 1. Under the new measures, residents who have received at least one COVID-19 vaccine dose within 14 days or recovered from COVID-19 within six months can leave their homes and be outside. Authorities will lift inner-city checkpoints but will continue to deploy security personnel to patrol the city. Entry and exit controls in Ho Chi Minh remain in place; travelers must submit a request to the Transport Department to enter. Most businesses like malls, food establishments for takeaways, financial and legal institutions, hospitality facilities, and offices may reopen, among others. Ho Chi Minh's construction projects, and production facilities in industrial parks, export processing zones, and high tech parks in 21 districts, as well as Thu Duc City and Quang Trung Software Park, may also resume operations. Exhibitions, business meetings, and conferences may take place, though indoor activities are limited to at most 10 people and up to 70 people if all participants fully vaccinated. Religious, cultural, and sporting events are subject to the same restrictions. At most 15 people may attend outdoor activities, while 100 people can participate if fully vaccinated. Residents can engage in sports activities with up to 100 people if all participants are fully vaccinated. Weddings and funerals may take place with up to 20 attendees. Places of worship may also reopen. Public transport can operate at 50 percent capacity. Goods transportation between Ho Chi Minh and other localities can continue to operate. However, recreational establishments like bars, spas, massages and cinemas remain suspended, among others.

Flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have been reduced to two flights 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 one, seven, 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.

Officials will likely maintain heightened security measures 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.