15 April 2020 – Social distancing directive extended to 22 April

Type of Intervention: Executive Order, Guidance, Regulation
Sectors Involved: Executive Office, Health, extension of Directive 16 of PM on Social Distancing
Intervention Categories: Gatherings, businesses, and services; Listening to scientists or health/other experts
Level of Jurisdiction: National
Lead People/Agency: The National Steering Committee led by a deputy Prime Minister

Overview: As the Directive 16 of the Prime Minister came to an end today marking a two-week compulsory application of social distancing nationwide, the Prime Minister, having consulted with the public, national and international professionals of different fields and sectors including Fulbright University experts on whether or not the Directive should be extended, decided to extend the Directive until 22nd April 2020. Evaluation will be made to inform further guidance and actions after this date. So, depending on actual situation, further extension after this date will be considered. What is new regarding the extension is that, the Gov. categorizes impact zones into three different zones. Zone one includes 12 highest risks cities and provinces. This zone consists of Hanoi, Lao Cai, Quang Ninh, Bac Ninh, Ninh Binh, Da Nang, Quang Nam, Binh Thuan, Khanh Hoa, HCMC, Tay Ninh and Ha Tinh. Zone two includes 15 medium risk. This includes Thai Nguyen, Nam Dinh, Ha Nam. Nghe An, Dong Thap, Thua Thien Hue, Dong Nai, Binh Duong, Can Tho, Soc Trang, Kien Giang, Hai Phong, Lang Son, An Giang and Binh Phuoc. The rest belongs to zone 3 – low risk area. The extension has implications on the three zones. For example, for provinces of category three – low risk, the leadership of provinces/cities considering actual situation in their provinces/cities can issue/request application of regulations/rules to ensure that the spread of COVID-19 is blocked, while certain type of business can reopen. Other social distancing associated rules must maintain, for example, wearing masks, not gathering more than 10 in a public place or 20 persons in a closed place, washing hands…
Full details here: http://baochinhphu.vn/Tin-noi-bat/Thu-tuong-nhat-tri-tiep-tuc-thuc-hien-Chi-thi-16-it-nhat-den-224-tai-mot-so-dia-phuong/393140.vgp

Type of Justification: Advice of INTERNAL government advisory committee or group, Advice of EXTERNAL expert advisor or advisory committee, Public Opinion (e.g. consultations, opinion polling)
Source of Evidence or Justification: National – government