Vietnam: Authorities extend social distancing and stay-home measures in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 15 /update 9

Event

Authorities have extended social distancing measures in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 15 to curb the spread of COVID-19. All residents must remain at home except when seeking medical care, working in essential industries, or purchasing essential goods. A daily 18:00-06:00 curfew also remains in effect. Exceptions from the curfew are in place for medical reasons, vaccinations, and essential workers, amongst others. 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. A suspension on commercial flights between provinces and cities applying social distancing measures remains in effect. Authorities require outbound travelers from Ho Chi Minh City to undergo a 14-day quarantine at their destination and undergo COVID-19 tests on days 1, 7, and 13. 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 for being outside their residences without a valid reason. Officials require factories to make arrangements for workers to live and stay on-site 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.