Nghe An guides Covid-19 prevention and control for short-term workers entering the country

The People's Committee of Nghe An province has just issued an official dispatch on implementing medical guidelines for Covid-19 prevention and control for people allowed to enter Vietnam for short-term work (less than 14 days) to relevant departments, branches and localities.

Accordingly, Vice Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee Bui Dinh Long assigned provincial departments, branches, sectors, units; People's Committees of districts, cities, towns; agencies and organizations located in the province that need to invite short-term entrants to implement the contents specified in the instructions attached to Official Dispatch No. 10943/BYT-MT dated December 24, 2021 of the Ministry of Health.

The Department of Health is responsible for monitoring, supervising health, handling cases of COVID-19 infection or suspected infection and providing guidance on environmental hygiene and disinfection during the stay of short-term entrants in Vietnam; Arranging a department responsible for monitoring and supervising health at the place of residence, meeting and signing locations, workplaces, and field locations; Preparing facilities for receiving and treating COVID-19 cases. Presiding over and coordinating with the Department of Transport to approve plans, means of transportation, quarantine, and safety plans for COVID-19 prevention and control during the working process of short-term entrants and contacts.

Checking immigrants at Nam Can border gate. Photo: Tien Hung

In addition, the Provincial People's Committee also assigned the Provincial Police to preside over and coordinate with the Military Command, the Department of Health and agencies and organizations inviting foreigners to enter the country for short-term work to arrange separate accommodation and working places, ensure medical supervision, and avoid contact with the community...

According to the guidance of the Ministry of Health in Official Dispatch No. 10943, short-term entrants do not have to be quarantined but must strictly and fully comply with regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control, approved projects and plans, not contact the community, ensure safety for short-term entrants and those in contact, avoid cross-infection during work and prevent infection in the community. In case the entrant plans to work or operate in many localities, it is necessary to have a clear plan and method of travel approved by the relevant locality.

Short-term entrants and people in contact with short-term entrants must fully comply with the 5K regulations, self-monitor their health, and notify local authorities and health authorities if they have any of the following symptoms: fever, cough, sore throat or difficulty breathing for handling according to regulations.

The guidance also notes that a list of all people who come into contact with short-term entrants during work and field trips must be made. Accommodation (hotels, accommodation arranged by businesses, other accommodation facilities) approved by the provincial People's Committee must ensure compliance with regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control. Separate accommodation areas must be arranged for short-term entrants. Absolutely do not allow cross-infection at the accommodation and spread to the community.

Short-term entrants must have international health insurance or the inviting agency or organization must commit to covering treatment costs in case of COVID-19 infection.

Units and organizations inviting short-term entrants must pay for accommodation, transportation, and COVID-19 testing as prescribed. Those entering for diplomatic or official purposes are exempt from paying (except for hotel accommodation as desired).

In case after a short working period, the entrant continues to need to stay in Vietnam to work, he/she must comply with current regulations on entry, exit and regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control.

The subjects of this guidance are those who are allowed to enter Vietnam for short-term work, including: Those entering for diplomatic and official purposes; those entering for non-diplomatic and official purposes (Investors, experts, highly skilled workers, business managers, traders, trade, market research and their relatives and other subjects according to agreements with each country); those who come into contact with short-term entrants during their work in Vietnam.