The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health has moved to issue an urgent document allowing foreign nationals to leave the country following their completion of a two week quarantine period, or if they consistently record negative test results for the novel coronavirus (COVID-19).

This will allow foreign citizens in medical isolation who wish to return home a means of leaving the country, with local authorities and isolation management units prepared to provide them with means of transport and essential materials such as masks, disinfectant solution, hand sanitizer before taking them to the exit point.

This process should ultimately serve to limit exposure, whilst applying medical quarantine measures for the purpose of allowing foreign nationals to exit the nation in accordance with regulations.

Simultaneously, foreign nationals who wish to return home by air through a Vietnamese airline must notify one of the firms in advance so suitable arrangements can be made. 

The Department of Health has also asked the Department of Foreign Affairs to notify diplomatic agencies throughout the city to co-ordinate alongside each other during the implementation process.

These policies will specifically apply to foreign citizens who are in medical isolation, have tested negative for the COVID-19, and wish to return home. Diplomatic agencies should directly contact management units of concentrated isolation facilities such as the City’s Control Disease Center and health centres in districts to receive guidance on how to implement procedures and arrange transportation.