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The New Normal: Navigating Ho Chi Minh City’s Social Distancing Directives

"As Ho Chi Minh City enters a 15-day social distancing period, commencing from July 9, 2021, at midnight, we want to ensure our readers are well-informed. Today, we share four common violations and their corresponding fines during this social distancing directive (Directive No. 16/CT-TTg). It is important that everyone adheres to these regulations to avoid penalties and stay safe."

Administrator

11 August, 2024

The Vietnamese government is expediting the implementation of directives and importing vaccines to help return society to normalcy. Citizens are urged to comply with the government’s directives to combat the pandemic effectively and swiftly. Each citizen’s awareness and adherence to these directives are the most effective tools to overcome this challenging situation.

1 Unnecessary Outings

During this complex pandemic situation, one common violation that needs to be avoided is going out unnecessarily.

Regulations as per Directive 16/CT-TTg

People should only go out for essential purposes, such as buying food, medicine, or seeking emergency medical care. Working at factories, essential businesses, or service providers that remain open is also permitted.

Penalty

The penalty for this violation is a fine ranging from VND 1 million to VND 3 million. (Point a, Clause 1, Article 12 of Decree 117/2020/ND-CP)

Avoid unnecessary outings to avoid a fine of VND 1-3 million

2 Failing to Maintain a Safe Distance of 2m When Interacting with Others

Regulations as per Directive 16/CT-TTg

It is mandatory to maintain a minimum distance of 2 meters when interacting with others.

Penalty

The penalty for this violation is a fine ranging from VND 1 million to VND 3 million. (Point a, Clause 1, Article 12 of Decree 117/2020/ND-CP)

Failing to maintain a safe distance of 2m will result in a fine of VND 1-3 million

3 Gathering of 3 or More People

Regulations as per Directive 16/CT-TTg

Avoid gathering in groups of more than 2 people outside of workplaces, schools, hospitals, and public places.

Penalty

This is the most severe penalty among the four violations. Individuals will be fined VND 10 million to VND 20 million, while organizations will be fined VND 20 million to VND 40 million. (Point c, Clause 3, Article 12 of Decree 117/2020/ND-CP)

Gatherings of 3 or more people will be fined VND 10-20 million for individuals and VND 20-40 million for organizations

4 Failure to Wear a Mask or Forgetting to Wear a Mask

Regulations as per Directive 16/CT-TTg

According to Directive 16, everyone must wear a mask in public places.

Penalty

The penalty for this violation is a fine ranging from VND 1 million to VND 3 million. (Point a, Clause 1, Article 12 of Decree 117/2020/ND-CP)

Not wearing or forgetting to wear a mask will result in a fine of VND 1-3 million

These are the four common violations and their corresponding penalties during social distancing. Let’s work together to follow Directive 16 and avoid these mistakes during this challenging time. Wishing everyone good health and safety.

Frequently asked questions

The ‘new normal’ in Ho Chi Minh City refers to the social distancing directives and lifestyle changes implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. These measures aim to prevent the spread of the virus and include guidelines for social interactions, business operations, and daily activities.

The key directives include maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters between individuals in public places, wearing face masks in public at all times, limiting non-essential gatherings and meetings, and practicing proper hygiene, such as frequent hand washing and use of hand sanitizer.

The social distancing directives have led to significant changes in daily routines and lifestyles. Residents are encouraged to stay at home as much as possible, and many non-essential businesses, such as entertainment venues and restaurants, have been temporarily closed. Essential services like supermarkets and pharmacies operate with reduced hours and strict social distancing protocols.

Yes, there are certain restrictions in place to limit the movement of people and prevent crowding. Public transport operates at reduced capacity, and individuals are advised to avoid non-essential travel. In some high-risk areas, there may be specific curfews or movement restrictions implemented to control the spread of the virus.

Individuals should maintain a safe distance from others and avoid close contact. When meeting friends or family, it is recommended to do so in small groups and outdoors, if possible. Regular hand washing or sanitizing before and after social interactions is crucial. Additionally, wearing a face mask in public is mandatory, and individuals should ensure their mask covers both their nose and mouth properly.

Businesses have had to adapt to new ways of operating. Many companies have implemented work-from-home policies for their employees to reduce office density. Essential businesses that remain open have introduced measures such as contactless deliveries, online ordering systems, and strict hygiene protocols to protect customers and staff.

The city has introduced various support measures to assist residents financially and medically. This includes economic stimulus packages, subsidies for businesses, and assistance for vulnerable communities. Medical resources have been mobilized to ensure adequate testing, contact tracing, and treatment facilities are available.

Official government websites and reputable news sources provide the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding social distancing measures. It is important to verify the source of any information you come across to avoid misinformation. The city’s official website and social media channels are good starting points for reliable updates.