Ho Chi Minh City to Allow 17 Groups to Travel Freely Starting September 16, 2021

1Ho Chi Minh City Adjusts Activities from September 16th to September 30th, 2021

Continued Implementation of Directive 16 until September 30th, 2021

The COVID-19 Prevention and Control Steering Committee of Ho Chi Minh City issued an announcement on September 15th regarding social distancing measures. From 00:00 on September 16th to the end of September 30th, 2021, the City will continue to strictly implement Directive 16.

Residents Limited to Once-Weekly Market Visits in Controlled Areas

In areas where the COVID-19 pandemic has been controlled, such as District 7, Cu Chi District, Can Gio District, and the High-Tech Park, residents are allowed to visit the market once a week. However, both buyers and sellers must strictly adhere to the 5K message to prevent the spread of the disease.

Shippers Conducting Testing and Responsible for Organizing Testing

Delivery staff (shippers) will be able to operate between districts from 06:00 – 21:00 daily. According to the latest announcement on September 22nd, all shippers must strictly implement disease prevention measures and undergo pooled testing every 3 days/1 time. Additionally, from September 24th to September 30th, businesses managing shippers are responsible for organizing testing and updating the results in the city’s shared database.

Resumption of Sports Activities

Parks in residential areas or apartment buildings in green zones will be allowed to reopen, and people participating in these activities must strictly adhere to the 5K message and regulations on disease prevention.

Pilot Reopening of Select Areas in the City

In addition to District 7, Cu Chi District, Can Gio District, and the High-Tech Park, other areas that have controlled the disease will be considered for reopening certain activities. The Department of Health will closely monitor the disease prevention situation in these pilot areas and issue appropriate guidelines in coordination with local authorities.

2Groups of People Permitted to Travel Without Papers in Ho Chi Minh City

Below are 17 groups of people permitted to travel without papers in Ho Chi Minh City. However, individuals are required to carry important personal documents such as ID, residence book, and complete a health declaration on the Ministry of Public Security’s software.

1. People going to receive the COVID-19 vaccine according to centralized orders from local authorities; representatives of businesses going to request/receive/change travel papers; people going to work with ID cards or health declaration.

2. People traveling to the airport, carrying air tickets, and completing a health declaration on the Ministry of Public Security’s software.

3. Healthcare professionals or medical staff carrying professional certificates or travel papers issued by the Department of Health. When going out, they are advised to wear personal protective equipment or medical clothing for easy inspection.

4. People traveling for COVID-19 testing purposes for international travel or drivers transporting goods under permitted activities. When going out, people need to carry documents proving their need to travel abroad or drive for a legitimate purpose.

5. People responsible for transporting medical equipment carrying professional certificates and transportation contracts.

12. People traveling to take care of parents living alone or relatives isolated due to COVID-19. When going out, they need to carry a certificate from the local People’s Committee and declare it to the staff on duty.

13. Lawyers participating in litigation cases carrying lawyer identification cards and summonses from judicial authorities.

14. Employees of professions allowed to commute and change shifts at fixed hours as follows:

• Employees in the finance, banking, and securities sector are allowed to commute and change shifts from 16:30 – 18:00 (Friday) and 06:30 – 08:00 (Monday).
• Employees of petroleum and gas businesses are allowed to change shifts from 13:00 – 15:00 (every Sunday).
• Electricity, post, and telecommunications staff are allowed to commute from 15:00 – 17:00 (Saturday) and 06:00 – 07:30 (Monday).

All individuals must wear uniforms, carry staff cards, and have shift change certificates.

15. Workers working in export processing zones, industrial parks, and high-tech parks are allowed to commute and change shifts from 09:00 – 11:00 or from 14:00 – 16:00. When going out, they need to carry negative COVID-19 test results and entry and exit certificates provided by the management board of their workplace.

16. Post office employees and teachers delivering books to the homes of students must wear uniforms and industry identification cards, and carry papers stating the book delivery locations.

17. Lecturers and teachers carrying industry identification cards, with teaching schedules approved by the school’s administration.

3Permitted Activities Starting from September 16th in Ho Chi Minh City

Businesses with registered licenses will be allowed to operate from 06:00 – 21:00 daily within their districts and Th? Ð?c District. Permitted business activities include:

• Veterinary premises.
• Takeaway food establishments.
• Postal and telecommunications services.
• Agricultural production support services.
• Office computer equipment and study tools.
• Construction and machinery maintenance and repair services.
• Food production, processing, and trading.

During business operations, people must strictly adhere to disease prevention measures, undergo pooled testing every 2 days/1 time, and bear the testing costs.

Source: Library of Vietnamese Law – Updated on September 25th, 2021

Above is the information about the groups of people allowed to travel without travel papers in Ho Chi Minh City as well as the permitted business activities. If you have any questions, please leave a comment below for further clarification!