Official Telegram 416/CD-TTg 2022 on suspension of SARS-CoV-2 test requirement for persons entering Vietnam

OFFICIAL TELEGRAM

On suspension of SARS-CoV-2 test requirement for persons entering Vietnam

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THE PRIME MINISTER notifies:

- Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies and government-attached agencies;

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

According to the World Health Organization's notice, currently, the COVID-19 pandemic has started to decrease both in the number of cases and deaths on a global scale; vaccines are still effective against variants of the SARS-CoV-2 virus. Many countries and territories have gradually relaxed anti-pandemic measures, including the requirement for COVID-19 testing for people on entry.

Vietnam has achieved many positive results after a period of drastic and synchronous implementation of solutions for pandemic prevention, safe and flexible adaptation, and effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic. Specifically, the number of new infections has continuously decreased since March 15, 2022, and the number of severe cases and deaths related to the COVID-19 pandemic has decreased with the high rate of COVID-19 vaccination coverage. In that context, the Ministry of Health issued a direction to suspend health declaration requirements for people entering Vietnam from April 27, 2022.

In order to apply measures for pandemic prevention and control, and create favorable conditions to promote activities for socio-economic recovery and development while upholding the spirit of the Government’s Resolutions, the Prime Minister hereby requests to:

1. Suspend the SARS-CoV-2 test requirement for people entering Vietnam from 00:00 on May 15, 2022. The Ministry of Health shall closely follow the pandemic development and timely provide appropriate instructions on pandemic prevention and control.

2. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs shall direct overseas Vietnamese agencies to notify people that wish to enter Vietnam to follow requirements for pandemic prevention and control in accordance with the Ministry of Health's instructions.

3. The Ministry of Transport shall direct airlines to comply with measures for pandemic prevention and control for their means of transport according to the Ministry of Health’s instructions.

4. Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities shall strictly comply with measures for pandemic prevention and control in their respective localities in accordance with instructions provided by the Ministry of Health and relevant ministries and sectors.

5. Ministers, Heads of ministerial-level agencies and government-attached agencies, and Chairpersons of People's Committees of provinces and centrally-run cities are requested to continue focusing on directing the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control measures; regularly inspect and timely handle arising issues under their competence or report the competent authorities as prescribed./.