Steering Committee releases six regulations to contain COVID-19

The six regulations on preventing COVID-19 came into force on March 16

The Steering Committee for COVID-19 Epidemic Prevention and Control is rolling out a new set of rules to enhance measures to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Vietnam, by enshrining in regulation several safety rules governing conduct at public places and restricting travel from virus-infected areas.

Accordingly, using face masks in public areas is now a legal requirement. This applies to places where a large number of people gather, such as supermarkets, airports, stations, and public vehicles. Mask distributors and manufacturers will provide masks to customers for free at stations which they will have to use during travel.

Vietnam will also postpone granting tourist visas for people arriving from the Schengen or the UK area within the next 48 hours. A similar move applicable to the US will be considered based on further developments in the pandemic. People will not be able to apply for visa at the borders while those already holding an official visa will still be allowed entry to the country.

People arriving from epidemic-affected areas will be quarantined.

Following up a request by Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee on March 14, the Steering Committee also ordered all bars, pubs, karaoke salons, and massage parlours in Ho Chi Minh City to close until the end of this month.

In Hanoi, historical relic sites, bars, and karaoke salons will also have to suspend operations until the end of this month. At the same time, numerous cities and provinces,including the central province of Quang Tri and Phu Quoc Island, are required to lock down tourism sites and scenic spots.

Vietnam Airlines will have to carefully monitor passengers arriving from Europe. All passengers on local and international flights will have to wear masks during the flights and at airports.

As of the end of March 15, as many as 57 patients have been infected by COVID-19, 41 of whom are undergoing treatment and 16 were cured last month. Among these new patients, 17 are foreigners coming from Europe and the US and only one is from South Korea.