Winter Holiday Update from Head of School # 2

Dear Faculty and Staff,

We hope you are staying safe and well and enjoying some quiet time after the holiday festivities. I have always appreciated this lull between Christmas and the New Year, and I am currently savoring the fantastic weather we are experiencing in Saigon.

Yesterday, I sent the email below regarding quarantine guidelines to teachers traveling overseas. You will see that although the regulations are relaxing, the guidelines for implementation of new decrees remain to be developed and enforced. But, all signs indicate a greater relaxation of restrictions upon re-entry to Vietnam.

Together with several chambers of commerce and the Vietnam Business Forum, SSIS continues to advocate for greater ease of travel into Vietnam, especially for those who already possess work permits. As always, I will keep you updated on any new developments.

School Reopening Updates

The feedback from the G9 and G12 on-campus pilot program in Ho Chi Minh City has been positive. We eagerly await further information about the reopening in January. Next week, the Senior Leadership Team will process all of the survey data from faculty, staff, and students. And we will continue to tweak our processes for concurrent learning and on-campus health and safety.

Vaccination/Booster Updates

It was exciting to see many of you at the sudden vaccine booster appointment on Christmas Day. For those who couldn’t attend, don’t worry, you are on the government list, and we will be sure to support you in accessing booster shots as soon as possible.

In the coming weeks, we also hope to update you on the government’s current discussions regarding the administration of vaccinations for children aged 5 to 11.

While much of the world is grappling with outbreaks, unrest, and difficulty in ensuring adherence to health and safety measures, we count our blessings here in Ho Chi Minh City, where the number of cases has decreased, vaccination rates are high, and we are living comfortable lives.

As we approach the New Year, we can look back on a year that presented many challenges, hardships and demanded great personal strength and fortitude. As I think ahead to 2022, I am confident that whatever it brings, we will rally together as a community, supporting each other as SSIS Dragons have supported each other for the past 24 years.

Stay safe out there!
All good wishes,
Catriona

Dear Faculty on Overseas Travel,

I hope you continue to enjoy your holiday and are taking the time to connect with family and friends. Today, we have some updates on quarantine implementation guidelines, flights, and other important matters that will allow your safe return to Vietnam on time for the second semester.

The Business Office has investigated all aspects of the Ministry of Health decree 10688/BYT-MT regarding the updated quarantine requirements for overseas travelers. At this time, we have been advised that for travelers returning to HCMC next week, it is necessary to book a quarantine hotel for the 3 nights (4 days) as the travel timeline will not allow for the home quarantine criteria to be met. Since quarantine conditions must be met in order to confirm airline seats, we must book the quarantine hotel now.  The Business Office will work with you to confirm the quarantine hotel and the flight booking.

7-Day Total Quarantine Upon Return

To summarize, SSIS faculty and staff are required to quarantine (self-monitor) for a total of 7 days upon return to Vietnam (4 days mandated by the government plus 3 days required by SSIS). The 4 days (3 nights) mandated by the government will be in a quarantine hotel, and the 3 additional days will be self-monitoring at home. During the self-monitoring period, you are not allowed to enter campus.

All faculty and staff returning to campus on January 10th will have completed a self-test. Therefore, returning faculty and staff are permitted entry on campus after completing a negative self-test on the 7th day of return to Vietnam.

Quarantine Requirements Explained

Below, please find more details regarding decree 10688/BYT-MT. The process is complex, and, as with any new decree being implemented, it takes time for the implementation guidelines to be issued. We are still awaiting the implementation guidelines for this decree.

Decree 5599 outlined three criteria that must be met:

– Appendix 1: Commitment letter signed by the People’s Committee

– Appendix 3: Waste management commitment letter

– Appendix 4: Certificate for medical isolation at home signed by the People’s Committee

The procedures for meeting these criteria have not been clarified, and as airline tickets must be issued in a few days, those returning to Vietnam will not be able to avail of the home quarantine option at this time.

The SSIS Business Office will continue to explore all of the details related to home quarantine so that our SSIS community can avail of this opportunity in the future.

Tomorrow, I will send another message to all faculty and staff regarding additional updates. You can also expect further communication from HR and the Business Office regarding your particular travel details. As we all know, the global situation continues to evolve and we will do our best to keep you updated. In the meantime, I hope you stay safe and well and continue to enjoy the holiday season.

All good wishes,
Catriona