The Da Nang government has issued Decision No. 3779 on providing temporary guidance to allow adaptability and flexibility in dealing with COVID-19.

Risk levels are measured by a four-level, colour-coded alert system. The municipal administration has defined four levels of risk for decision making and pandemic risk mitigation: level 1: green-low alert, level 2: yellow-moderate alert, level 3: orange- high alerts, level 4: red- very high alert. The alert levels are based on the weekly incidence per 10,000 people, vaccination coverage rates for over-18s, and treatment capacity of healthcare facilities in the city.

Alert levels are now calculated for wards, communes, residential areas, quarters, groups, alleys. Different parts of the city may be at different alert levels. The alert levels are determined by the municipal government and specify the public health and social measures to be taken in the fight against COVID-19.  

Authorities at local level can apply flexible measures for those who have fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or received just one dose to allow them to attend activities but they must follow recommended health and safe protocols to protect themselves and others.

The application of alert levels may be different depending on if a district or the entire city is moving down or up alert levels. Measures can be applied at district-level or municipal level.

If a ward, a commune, a district or the whole city moves to Alert Level 4, tougher social restriction measures will be introduced to curb the spread of the virus with imposition of ban or restrictions on certain activities and the rollout of mass coronavirus testing.  

The health agency has the task of recommending what the alert level should be. Health officials identify changes in infection rates using testing and risk assessment, as well as they monitor local spikes of COVID-19 and advise local authorities. Their recommendations are then reviewed and agreed by Da Nang leaders.

Compliance with the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the use of QR codes are compulsory for crowded venues. Using a QR code for visitor management is made mandatory in businesses, shopping centres and services. Individuals obtain a QR code after completing health declaration form and their QR code is valid for 72 hours. QR code is required for travelling domestically, attending schools and work, using services.

If you develop any COVID-19 symptoms, such as cough, fever, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, you should consult with your nearest medical facility for testing recommendations.  

Agencies, units, organizations and mass gatherings must put in place strict health and safe measures to effectively control the spread of COVID-19 in line with the guidance from the Ministry of Health, Viet Nam’s National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, and national government bodies.

There are no restrictions on personal movement in areas at alert levels 1 and 2. No travel is allowed in areas at alert level 4 except for necessities with the approval from local authorities. Allowed travel activities in areas at alert level 4 include urgent and emergency care services, rescue and fire fighting services, infection prevention and control activities, medical treatment, funeral services, vehicles transporting workers to the workplace, going through to travel to work. However, parking or stopovers are not allowed in areas at alert level 4.

Residents in areas at alert level 3 are prohibited from entering red zones and medical isolation areas, unless with the approval of local authorities. Certificates confirming full vaccination against COVID-19 or recovery from recent COVID-19 infection (typically during the last 6 months) are compulsory for persons living in areas at alert level 3 moving into other areas at alert levels 1 and 2 in the city.

Leaders of agencies, organizations, businesses and areas where people arrive in from areas at alert level 3 must take responsibility for keeping a close watch on these people in order to make sure that they strictly observe the city’s COVID-19 guidelines.  

The city will continue to implement strict measures at entry points as a blanket policy to prevent COVID-19 importations.

Reporting by LE HUNG – Translating by H.L