59. Coronavirus Update: CDC requirements for visitors to Da Nang and Quang Nam Province

Dear Faculty and Staff,

By now, I am sure that you are all aware that there have been two confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in Da Nang within the last two days. As this is the first local transmission of COVID-19 after more than three months of zero cases, the government is taking swift and decisive action to address the concern of potential further spread.

Today’s directive 2353/TTKSBT-BTN issued by the Health Department of Ho Chi Minh City requires that all those who have visited Quang Nam Province from July 18, 2020, must:

1. ensure that a report is made to the local Center for Disease Control (CDC) in Ho Chi Minh City and,
2. may be required to self-quarantine at home for 14 days (as determined by the CDC).

Who must self-quarantine?

If you visited Da Nang, Hoi An, An Bang beach, or any other destination in Quang Nam Province since July 18, 2020, this information will need to be reported to the CDC (see further info below), and they will decide who needs to self-quarantine.

This directive pertains to you even if you only traveled through Da Nang Airport, which will also need to be reported to the CDC.

Reporting to Ho Chi Minh City CDC

Tomorrow, Monday, July 27, Lisa and her team of nurses will make a report to the D7 CDC listing names, dates, and locations of all faculty and staff, and their family members who have visited Quang Nam Province since July 18. This information will be taken from the SSIS Travel Questionnaire. The D7 CDC will make further recommendations on the length of quarantine based on dates and location of travel.

What is Self-Quarantine:

If you are required to self-quarantine, these are the measures you must follow.

• You, and your family, must work from / stay at home until the 14-day quarantine period has expired. Lisa Chute will follow up with you during this quarantine period and before you return to campus.
• You must avoid any socialization with other SSIS community members.
• You may go out of your home for essential business (e.g. grocery shopping, walk your dog, go for a run alone).
• You must wear a mask whenever you leave your home.
• Check your temperature twice a day.
• Wash your hands frequently.
• Self-monitor for symptoms of flu (fever, cough, difficulty breathing).
• Report to Lisa Chute if you experience a fever or other respiratory symptoms.

Precautions at School:

All personnel on campus must wear masks, ensure hand hygiene, check temperature at the gate, and maintain social distance.

When outside of the school, please continue to be vigilant and take every precaution to stay safe and healthy as we prepare to welcome our students back to school in a few weeks. As always, if you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact Lisa, WaiMun, or me.

All good wishes,

Catriona