Official Dispatch 2213/BYT-DP 2022 regarding the suspension of health declaration for domestic travel

To: People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities.

Currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has been brought under control nationwide with a significantly decreased number of deaths and infections (less than 10 deaths/day), and the high rate of COVID-19 vaccination coverage nationwide (more than 96% for persons more than 12 years old, and vaccination is being deployed for children aged 5 to under 12 years old); besides, the COVID-19 vaccines still work out with current circulating SARS-CoV-2 variants.

Based on our situation and ability to respond to the COVID-19 pandemic, while implementing the Government's Resolution No. 38/NQ-CP dated March 17, 2022, promulgating the COVID-19 prevention and control program, with the point of view of “ensuring safe, flexible adaptation to, and effective control over the COVID-19 pandemic; prevention and control of the pandemic in the method of risk management; ensuring harmony and efficiency among anti-pandemic measures and measures for socio-economic recovery and development”, the Ministry of Health requests People’s Committees of provinces and cities to direct relevant agencies:

1. To suspend the application of health declaration for domestic travel (domestic move, at public areas, restaurants, etc.) from 00:00 on April 30, 2022.

2. To continue to maintain activities of monitoring, early detecting, investigating and handling of outbreaks in a timely and effective manner according to the directions and instructions of the Government, the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, ministries and sectors to protect the people's health, uphold the anti-pandemic achievements, with priority given to the people’s health and life.

3. To actively update communications materials and recommendations on COVID-19 prevention and control according to the situation and timely provide information.

The Ministry of Health shall continue updating and providing information about the pandemic developments in the world and in the country for appropriate pandemic prevention measures.

Sincerely./.