Dear Faculty and Staff,

This afternoon, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a temporary restriction on non-Vietnamese passport holders entering Vietnam. These regulations will go into effect tomorrow (March 15, 2020) at 12:00 noon for 30 days. It is important that you read the guidelines, provided in this link and below, carefully.

SSIS is required as an institution to abide by all governmental regulations. SSIS employees, their dependents, and all visitors to this community must also abide by these regulations.

We understand that sometimes it is absolutely essential to travel for work or emergency family matters, and we will always do our best to support you in these matters.

At this time, you must complete the Travel Questionnaire before any travel outside of Ho Chi Minh City. All visitors must also complete the questionnaire.

We will continue to provide you with the most updated information as it becomes available. As always do not hesitate to contact WaiMun or me if you have any questions.

I am sorry to have to send you this on Saturday afternoon but I feel that it is important for you to be informed immediately. Your well-being and the well-being of every member of this community is my greatest priority.

All good wishes,

Catriona

SSIS Professional and Personal Travel Guidelines (COVID-19)

Updated – March 14, 2020

“Once again, this is a question of solidarity. This cannot be solved by WHO alone or one industry alone. It requires all of us working together to ensure all countries can protect the people who protect the rest of us.” (WHO Director-General)

1. At this time you should not travel outside of Vietnam and travel within Vietnam should be carefully considered.  Simply put, the world is experiencing a COVID-19 Global Outbreak; the CDC has listed The World as Level 2. Avoid traveling outside of Vietnam (except for urgent or emergency matters). We require a completed Travel Questionnaire for all travel outside of Ho Chi Minh City.

2. By order of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs (see website) all foreign passport holders who enter Vietnam will have a medical examination and experience possible quarantine at a Vietnamese facility (March 14, 2020).  Quarantine means no direct contact with family and community members, including colleagues, students, and parents.

3. If you believe you have essential travel outside of Vietnam, you must first get permission from the Head of School. Essential travel includes employment eligibility; visa requirement travels and must follow recommended travel health precautions and guidelines.

4. As restrictions are changing quickly across Vietnam, you must complete the Travel Questionnaire, before any travel outside of Ho Chi Minh City, within Vietnam (such as Ho Tram, Hanoi, Ben Tre, Hoi An, Hue) or outside of Vietnam. This information may be requested by the Vietnamese Government at any time, particularly if a confirmed Coronavirus outbreak contact-tracing is needed.

5. All visitors who come to stay with you must also complete the Travel Questionnaire. Note that they are also under the restrictions by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

6. It is your responsibility to keep informed of the latest updates from International SOS, the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Vietnamese Government. Specifically, International SOS has a clear page about Travel Recommendations and should be viewed by all faculty and staff.  As our guidelines are subject to change based on their latest recommendations, keep in mind that should you decide to travel, you may not be able to return to school due to updated quarantine requirements and travel bans. Quarantine mandated as a result of non-essential travel will require you to use sick leave days, personal days, and even possibly days without pay.

7. For information about cases and locations within Vietnam, see Vietnam.travel.

8. Insurance:  Keep abreast of the most recent update from Tie Care.