What Are the Essential Reasons to Go Out and Which Documents to Bring?

Ho Chi Minh City will be under social distancing for 15 days, starting from 00:00 on July 9, 2021. During this period, going out without a valid reason will result in administrative fines ranging from VND 1 million to VND 3 million. So, when can you go out, and what documents do you need to carry? Read on to find out.

1. When is it necessary to go out?

According to Official Dispatch No. 2601/VPCP-KGVX issued in 2020, which provides guidance on Directive No. 16, there are three cases in which going out is considered truly necessary during the social distancing period:

– Purchasing essential goods such as food, pharmaceuticals, and other necessary items.

– Emergencies, including medical emergencies, natural disasters, fires, etc.

– Employees of state agencies, armed forces, diplomatic missions, and workplaces that remain open are allowed to go out. This includes:

• Essential service providers: food, pharmaceuticals, fuel, electricity, water, and other necessary services.
• Factories, production facilities, transportation, and construction sites.
• Educational institutions, banks, treasury offices, businesses directly related to banking activities, businesses providing support services to enterprises (notarization, law, vehicle inspection, registration of secured transactions), securities, postal services, telecommunications, transportation support services, import-export goods, medical examination and treatment, funerals, etc.

People working at state agencies and essential service providers are allowed to go out.

2. What documents do you need to carry when going out?

For those going out to purchase essential goods:

According to the leader of a traffic police team in Ho Chi Minh City’s central area, those going out to buy essential goods should carry their identity cards or other documents that can prove their residence. They should also inform the authorities about their itinerary.

It is recommended to carry documents such as ID cards or residence papers when going out to buy essential goods.

For those going out for medical appointments:

If you need to go to a medical appointment that is not an emergency, bring your ID card, medical record book, appointment card, referral letter, or any other document that can verify your itinerary to the medical facility.

Those going out for non-emergency medical appointments should carry their medical records.

For delivery personnel:

According to a traffic police leader in Ho Chi Minh City, delivery personnel will be asked to show their delivery app history on their phones to verify their itinerary.

Delivery personnel should be prepared to show their app history to verify their movements.

For those working at permitted establishments:

If you are going out to work at an establishment that is allowed to operate during this period, you should carry a letter of introduction or confirmation from your company or workplace. This will allow you to commute to and from your workplace without issues.

People working at permitted establishments should carry a letter of introduction or confirmation from their workplace.

Note: In addition to carrying the necessary documents, you must have a valid reason for going out. Always comply with pandemic prevention measures such as wearing a mask, avoiding gatherings of more than two people, maintaining a distance of at least 2 meters, and carrying hand sanitizer or disinfectant.

To minimize the risk of COVID-19 infection in the community, everyone needs to follow the regulations and cooperate with the authorities. We hope this article helps you understand the rules for going out during this period. Stay safe and healthy.

Sources: Thanh Nien Newspaper, Tuoi Tre Newspaper