Vietnam: Officials to continue to enforce eased COVID-19 restrictions in Ho Chi Minh City as of Nov. 2 /update 15

Event

Authorities are maintaining restrictions in Ho Chi Minh amid increased vaccination rates and lower COVID-19 activity as of Nov. 2. Officials are implementing a three-phase plan to reopen the city. Authorities are implementing the second phase as of early November; the measures are in effect through January. The government allows restaurants to provide dine-in services while adhering to health protocols; restaurants must operate at 50-percent capacity and must close by 21:00. Officials in District 7 and Thu Duc City allow shops to sell alcohol until 21:00. Several bus services have resumed, with services usually operating between approximately 05:00-18:00 daily at 50-percent seating capacity; authorities plan to resume all public bus services from Nov. 15. Limited interprovincial transport services have resumed. Unvaccinated people arriving at Ho Chi Minh City from red zones must quarantine at home for 14 days and receive three COVID-19 tests during quarantine. Partially vaccinated individuals must quarantine at home for seven days and receive two COVID-19 tests.

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. Taxis, ride-hailing services, and tourist cars may also operate but with capacity limits on car and fleet sizes.

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, Van Don, and Vinh. Passengers must be fully vaccinated or present an official document certifying that they have recently recovered from COVID-19 within the past six months.

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.