Following latest testing and quarantine recommendations for people returning home from COVID-19 affected areas from Vietnamese Ministry of Health, proof of a negative COVID-19 test will no longer be compulsory for entry into their hometowns.

Either antigen rapid test for COVID-19 which allows for quick detection of SARS-CoV-2 or RT-PCR test which is the current gold standard to confirm a SARS-CoV-2 infection can be conducted for these people in nationwide localities. The intention is to timely isolate positive cases and provide prompt treatment for them in order to reduce the chance of these people to bring coronavirus into their hometowns.

However, strict compliance with the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health is compulsory for entry into nationwide localities.

Rules for managed isolation or home isolation will be applied to these people depending on the local context in line with Ministry of Health’s guidelines. The focus must be on setting up mobile medical stations and groups of medical workers to take care of COVID-19 patients in the community.

After returning from affected areas, those who have a proof of being fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or documentation of having recovered from COVID-19 infection in the past six months must undergo 7-day home quarantine. COVID-19 testing requirement is compulsory for these people, and they must undergo coronavirus test on the first day of home quarantine. If they develop COVID-19 symptoms such as fever, cough, shortness of breath, sore throat, and the loss of taste and smell, they must check with their nearest healthcare facilities for what to do.

Home quarantine for 7-day and self-monitoring for next 7 days will be applied to those who have received just one dose. In addition, they must undergo coronavirus tests on the first and seventh dates after returning home from affected areas.

Home quarantine for 14-day and self-monitoring for next 14 days will be applied to those who haven't received a jab yet. In addition, they must undergo coronavirus tests on the first, seventh and fourteenth dates after returning home from affected areas.

Reporting by B.T – Translating by H.L