Vietnam: Officials extend strict COVID-19-related movement controls in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 30 /update 12

Event

Officials are extending restrictions in Ho Chi Minh City through Sept. 30 amid ongoing COVID-19 activity. Authorities will enforce varying restrictions in areas depending on disease activity. Officials are easing some restrictions in areas where caseloads are down, such as Can Gio and Cu Chi districts. In lower-risk districts, people may leave their homes to buy food. Restaurants may provide takeaway services. In areas where disease activity is ongoing, an 18:00-06:00 nightly curfew remains in effect. Individuals must remain in their homes, with exceptions for medical emergencies, essential and frontline workers, and military personnel. All non-essential businesses remain suspended. Government agencies may operate at 25-percent capacity but must provide on-site accommodation for employees. Officials continue to ban public transport, including buses, taxis, and intracity and intercity bus services. Officials may also enforce heightened restrictions in especially high-risk areas, though authorities have not specified which areas will undergo tighter measures as of Sept. 13. Officials may impose entry and exit restrictions in high-risk areas for nonessential transport.

Officials have reduced the frequency of flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City 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 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 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.