The Vietnamese Health Ministry recently sent an official dispatch to the People’s Committees of Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Long An and other centrally-run provinces and cities nationwide  to provide specific instructions on the testing and quarantine for people moving between risky areas.

1. As for individuals who travel from very high- risk, high-risk zones to equivalent or lower-risk ones:

Fully vaccinated people or those who have recovered from COVID-19 within 6 months with certifications released by the competent authority are required to:

- Undergo a genetic material (RNA) test or a single rapid antigen test within 72 hours prior to departure.

- Self-monitor their health status at home or places of residence for 7 days

-Test for COVID-19 on the 1^st and 7^th day since the date of arrival.

Those who are not vaccinated or have taken the first COVID-19 vaccine shot must:

- Undergo a genetic material (RNA) test or a single rapid antigen test within 72 hours prior to departure.

- Isolate at home or places of residence upon arrival and undergo rapid antigen testing every 2-3 days or RNA testing every 5-7 days within 14 days since the date of arrival.

2. As for individuals travelling from risky zones to equivalent or new-normal ones:

Fully vaccinated people or those who have recovered from COVID-19 within 6 months with certifications released by the competent authority are required to:

- Minimise contact with others and self-monitor their health status at home or places of residence for 14 days since the date of arrival.

Those who are not vaccinated or have taken the first jab of COVID-19 vaccines shall:

- Isolate at home or places of residence for 7 days since the date of arrival and continue self-monitoring their health in the subsequent 14 days.

-Undergo RT-PCR testing or antigen rapid testing on the 1^st and 7^th day since the date of arrival.

3. Regarding individuals travelling from low-risk to higher risk zones

If people go from a low-risk area to a high-risk area, depending on the local situation, the municipal/provincial health department will provide specific instructions on quarantine and taking samples for COVID-19 testing if needed.

All of the above-mentioned subjects must immediately report to the local health authorities if showing such suspicious symptoms as fever, cough, sore throat, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.

Besides, they shall stay highly compliant with the 5K recommendations initiated by the Vietnamese Health Ministry, namely khau trang (facemask), khu khuan (disinfection), khoang cach (distance), khong tu tap (no gathering), and khai bao y te (health declaration).

Reporting by T.V – Translating by A. THU