Tam Dao Golf & Resort fined for social distancing violation

The People’s Committee of Tam Dao district, Vinh Phuc province has just announced sanctioning Tam Dao Investment JSC – the parent firm of Tam Dao Golf – for violating social distancing guidelines amid the escalating COVID-19 pandemic.

A hiccup at Tam Dao Golf & Resort resulted in a veritable traffic jam and large packed crowds

The fine, worth VND15 million ($650), is for violating the restriction on large gatherings and people going out for “non-essential” purposes – a move to curb the outbreak.

Local newswire Nhan Dan reported an hour-long chaotic congestion taking place at Tam Dao Golf on April 16.

The gridlock of long lines of golf carts and buggies resulted in tumultuous crowds, with people packed like sardines.

The majority of players came from Hanoi – the highest-risk locality and the nationwide hotbed of the outbreak.

Tam Dao Investment JSC has been penalised for disorderly conduct in violation of the emergency order prohibiting large gatherings of Article 11(4) of Government Decision 176, according to local authorities.

Previously, the Vietnamese government ordered non-essential businesses such as bars, clubs, and restaurants to shut down temporarily in a bid to mitigate the contagion.

Across the nation, people are under strict orders to follow social distancing guidelines. To comply with new stay-at-home orders, many people have postponed their planned outings. Schools and theatres have closed their doors, and concerts and festivals have been delayed, while restaurants have moved to delivery.

Just a few days ago, 18 foreigners were charged VND7.5 million ($330) for inappropriate conduct for gathering for a session of drinking in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa province.

The local authorities have issued 1,200 warnings so far and fined 21 people for over VND143 million ($6,220) for gathering and failing to wear face masks.

The social distancing campaign now continues until April 22 in Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and 10 other localities deemed to be at high risk of the pandemic. Residents have to follow restrictions and can only leave their homes in case of emergencies or to buy essential goods like medicine or food.

Those not wearing face masks in public can be fined for VND100,000-300,000 ($4.35-13).