Gov’t not to loosen entry restrictions until month end due to COVID-19

VGP – Entry restrictions will not be eased until April 30, according to the latest announcement released by the Government Office.

April 16, 2020 6:11 PM GMT+7

Entry restrictions shall continue to be implemented until April 30 to prevent COVID-19

>>> Gov't halts visa issuance to foreigners to staunch COVID-19

>>> Gov’t extends social distancing for at least one week in 28 localities

Under the announcement, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has tasked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of National Defense and Ministry of Public Security to continue tightening entry control.

The Government shall continue to temporarily halt visa issuance to all foreigners, except for those who are entrants for diplomatic or official purposes, experts, highly skilled workers, international investors.

The Ministry of Transport shall continue reduce incoming international flights to Viet Nam as well as domestic flights, the Government chief ordered.

He demanded authorities strictly fine those deliberately violate regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control.

Phuc also tasked the Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control to evaluate the readiness capacity of localities in dealing with COVID-19 outbreaks, especially border provinces and provide guidelines for formation of fast-response teams in all 63 provinces and cities.

As the pandemic has still evolved complicatedly across the world while community transmission risk remains in the nation, the Government chief authorities at all levels to continue staying vigilant in the fight against the virus.

On April 15, PM Phuc decided to extend social distancing until April 22 or April 30 depending on specific situation and may be further extended, in 12 high-risk localities, namely Ha Noi, Lao Cai, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh, and Ha Tinh.

Social distancing shall also be extended to April 22 for 15 localities in the second group, namely Binh Duong, Can Tho, Dong Nai, Ha Nam, Hai Phong, Kien Giang, Nam Dinh, Nghe An, Thai Nguyen, Thua Thien-Hue, Soc Trang, Lang Son, An Giang, Binh Phuoc, Dong Thap, and Ha Giang.

By Huong Giang