Coronavirus Update: New Directives

Dear Faculty and Staff,

This weekend, the government shared some additional measures to combat COVID-19. These measures dramatically encourage staying at home. 

I understand that although this is not what we perhaps were hoping for, going into Spring Break, we should appreciate, respect and abide by the measures that the Vietnamese government is taking in its continued efforts to prevent further spread of COVID-19. These measures include the following:

1. No meetings or events that exceed 20 people in one room. No gatherings of ten or more people in public places.

2. Completely stop religious rituals and activities of 20 or more people at religious, belief or worship establishments. Stop all cultural, sports, and recreational activities in public places.

3. People should not go out unless absolutely necessary.  People over 60 years old need to stay home at all times.

4. Everyone must wear a mask in public places and work. People should not be in contact with, deal with, or work with people who do not wear masks.

5. Continue to raise awareness of COVID-19 epidemic prevention. Ensure a safe distance of at least 2 meters from others. Regularly wash hands with soap or antiseptic solution, increase nutritional supplements, exercise, and improve overall health.

6. Houses, condominiums, buildings, offices that are using air-conditioning systems should switch to using the fan system, opening all windows to use natural air circulation. If you must use the air-conditioner, the minimum temperature is 27 degrees C. Regularly clean your space, workplace, furniture and personal items with soap or disinfectant solution.

7. All service suppliers must close, except for gas stations, supermarkets, grocery shops, pharmacies, and essential medical facilities for examination and treatment.

8. Businesses that can, should move on-line and work from home. No more than 10 people should be in an office room at a time, and all must ensure a minimum distance of 2 meters between one another and always wear a mask.

9. Do not share or spread unproven, untruthful or unverified information.  

10. Continue production and business activities which are not banned by the Government. 

11. Strictly abide by the regulations regarding medical quarantine for 14 days.  

12. From March 28, 2020, Ho Chi Minh City will issue fines for the following:

• Not wearing a mask in public places;
• Failure to quarantine at the request of competent authorities;
• Trading in medical masks without permission from competent agencies.

I understand that this news can be frustrating. But I hope we can focus on the things we can do, as opposed to the things we cannot do. And, let’s all catch up on the rest our bodies and minds need after the past couple of months, and maybe embrace  “la dolce far niente,” i.e. the art of doing nothing,

Also, please remember, if you are feeling anxious, depressed or overwhelmed by the challenges we are facing as a result of COVID-19, reach out to a friend, a colleague or one of the mental health resources available to our community (online resources can be found at the bottom of the document). This is a time for reaching out. 

Finally, as we go into this holiday, let’s do everything we can to keep ourselves, our families and our community safe. Although these times are difficult, let our student Jan serve as an inspiration and listen to the beautiful tune he has composed while in Virtual School. 

All good wishes, 
Catriona