Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Tourism has asked authorities in all districts to take measures to control the spread of disease in rental apartments and lodging facilities.

Police officers distribute leaflets about COVID-19 control and prevention to residents
living in Mieu Noi Apartment Building Complex in HCM City’s Binh Thanh district
(Photo: tuoitre.vn) 

Many types of accommodation services are available in the city, such as Airbnb rentals and rentals booked through online travel agents (OTAs) like Agoda.com and Booking.com.

Most rentals occur in private houses, luxury apartments or high-rise buildings. They face a high risk of spread of disease if there are no strict managerial measures.

Because most property owners have not registered these businesses, it is difficult for authorities to manage them.

To limit the risk, owners of rental apartments have been asked to obtain the personal information of guests, including name, age, address, phone number, current health status, place of departure, and travel history.

All information related to tenants staying at lodging facilities and rental apartments must be sent to the department’s Tourism and Hotel Management Office via email at hoteldivision.tphcm@gmail.com.

Tenants must strictly comply with regulations and recommendations on COVID-19 prevention and control. They must fill out health declarations and report to the owners and medical facilities if they have symptoms related to COVID-19.

Residential security guard forces, apartment management boards and local police have been asked to work closely with the department and local authorities on issues related to disease control and prevention at rental accommodations.