Vietnam: Officials to continue to enforce eased COVID-19 restrictions in Ho Chi Minh City as of Oct. 18 /update 14

Event

Authorities are maintaining eased restrictions in Ho Chi Minh amid increased vaccination rates and lower COVID-19 activity as of Oct. 18. Officials plan to open Ho Chi Minh in three phases; eased restrictions are in place in the first phase from Sept. 16 to Oct. 31 but recreational establishments like bars, spas, massages, and cinemas remain closed, among others. Subsequently, authorities intend to resume interprovincial bus services and tourism from Nov. 1 but at limited capacity and frequency. Passengers may be required to have at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine or recovered from COVID-19 within the last six months, and test negative for COVID-19 taken within 72 hours before departure.

Under the current 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 travel around Ho Chi Minh. Authorities have lifted inner-city checkpoints but may continue to deploy security personnel to patrol the city. Most businesses like malls, food establishments for takeaways, financial and legal institutions, hospitality facilities, and offices can open, 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, can operate. 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 are fully vaccinated. Religious, cultural, and sporting events are subject to the same restrictions. At most 15 people may attend outdoor activities, including sports activities, while 100 people can participate if fully vaccinated. Weddings and funerals may take place with up to 20 attendees.

Officials have resumed some domestic flights. Several airlines including Vietnam Airlines, Pacific Airlines, and Bamboo Airways are operating flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Binh Ding, Da Nang, Dong Hoi, Hanoi, Khanh Hoa, Nghe An, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, Phu Yen, Quang Nam, Quy Nhon, Thanh Hoa, Thua Thien Hue, Tuy Hoa, and Vinh. Vietnam Air Services Company (VASCO) from the Vietnam Airlines Group will operate flights between Ho Chi Minh City and Cau Mau and Rach Gia. Passengers must be fully vaccinated or present an official document certifying that they have recently recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months. Arrivals from red zones must present a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test result taken within 72 hours before departure. Travelers from southern localities like Ho Chi Minh must also present a negative COVID-19 PCR or rapid test result taken within 72 hours before departure, monitor their health at a place of residence for seven days, and take COVID-19 tests on days 1 and 7 after arrival at their destination province. Ho Chi Minh has also resumed four bus routes in Can Gio District. Taxis, ride-hailing services, and tourist cars may also operate but with capacity limits on car and fleet sizes.

Authorities could introduce new preventive measures or amend existing restrictions depending on disease activity in the coming days and weeks.

Advice

Follow all official instructions. Abide by national health and safety measures. Reconfirm all business appointments and travel arrangements. Consider delaying traveling if experiencing symptoms associated with COVID-19, as they may prompt increased scrutiny and delays. Liaise with trusted contacts for further updates and guidance. Ensure contingency plans account for further disruptive measures or extensions of current restrictions.