DECISION

ON PROMULGATION OF INTERIM GUIDANCE ON PASSENGER TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES IN 5 SECTORS (ROADWAY, RAILWAY, INLAND WATERWAY, MARITIME, AVIATION) FOR A SAFE AND FLEXIBLE ADAPTION TO AND EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF COVID-19

MINISTRY OF TRANSPORT

Pursuant to Government's Decree No. 12/2017/ND-CP dated February 10, 2017 on functions, tasks, powers and organizational structure of the Ministry of Transport;

Pursuant to Resolution No. 78/NQ-CP dated July 20, 2021 of the Government on prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic;

Pursuant to Resolution No. 86/NQ-CP dated August 6, 2021 of the Government on urgent solutions for COVID-19 prevention and control to implement Resolution NO. 30/2021/QH15 dated July 28, 2021 of the 15th National Assembly;

Pursuant to Directives of the Prime Minister No. 15/CT-TTg dated March 17, 2020 on drastical implementation during critical time of COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control, 16/CT-TTg dated March 31, 2020 on implementing urgent measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic, No. 19/CT-TTg dated April 24, 2020 on continuing to implement measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic (hereinafter referred to as Directive No. 15; Directive No. 16; Directive No. 19);

Pursuant to Official Letters of the Prime Minister No. 1099/CD-TTg dated August 22, 2021 on strengthening social distancing and measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic; 1102/CD-TTg dated August 23, 2021 on strengthening measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide;

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At the request of the Director of the Transport Department, the Director of Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, the Directors of the Departments of Vietnam Aviation, Vietnam Maritime, Vietnam Inland Waterway, Vietnam Railways,

HEREBY DECIDES:

Article 1. Issue together with this Decision the Interim guidance on passenger transport activities in five sectors (roadway, railway, inland waterway, maritime, aviation) for a safe and flexible adaption to and effective control of COVID-19.

Article 2. This Decision comes into force as of October 1, 2021.

Article 3. Chief of Office of the Ministry, Chief Inspector of the Ministry, Directors of Departments, General Director of the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, Directors of Departments, Directors of Departments of Transport, Departments of Transport and Construction of provinces, centrally-affiliated cities, Vietnam Automobile Transportation Association, local automobile transportation associations, Vietnam Inland Water Transport Association, Vietnam Ship Owners Association, passenger transport operators; bus stations, rest stops on roads; ports, wharves, inland waterway quays; airports; train stations, railway centers and stations, heads of relevant agencies, units, organizations and individuals are responsible for the implementation of this Decision./.

PP. MINISTER
DEPUTY MINISTER




Le Dinh Tho

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ON PASSENGER TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES IN 5 SECTORS (ROADWAY, RAILWAY, INLAND WATERWAY, MARITIME, AIRWAY) FOR A SAFE AND FLEXIBLE ADAPTION TO AND EFFECTIVE CONTROL OF COVID-19
(Issued together with Decision No. 1740/QD-BGTVT dated September 30, 2021 of the Minister of Transport)

PART 1

GENERAL REQUIREMENTS

I. PURPOSES

Restore passenger transport activities in accordance with each level of COVID-19 prevention and control; facilitate passenger transport to serve the residents’ travel needs, ensure safety and consistency among provinces, cities and regions; ensure effective connection between modes of passenger transport; contribute to the economic recovery.

II. REQUIREMENTS

Ensure the initiative, consistency and synchronization in the process of rolling out solutions on the passenger transport activities in 5 sectors (road, railway, inland waterway, maritime, aviation); assign tasks and responsibilities of agencies, organizations and individuals involved in passenger transport activities to ensure safe and flexible adaptation to and effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic.

For all passenger transport routes by road and inland waterway, appropriate control plans must be in place to ensure no congestion at COVID-19 pandemic control points.

III. SCOPE, REGULATED ENTITIES

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a) This interim guidance applies to passenger transport activities in five sectors (road, railway, inland waterway, maritime, aviation) nationwide while the local governments have eased COVID-19 restrictions;

b) Passenger transport activities:  routes from shore to islands, domestic aviation, roads, railway, inland waterway.

2. Regulated entities

a) Regulatory agencies, pandemic control forces, passenger transport operators in 5 sectors; bus stations, rest stops on roads; ports, wharves, inland waterway; airports, airfields, seaplane landing areas; railway stations, centers and transport stations;

b) Vehicle operators, service staff on vehicles and passengers using means of transport in five sectors;

c) Organizations and individuals related to such passenger transport activities.

PART 2

PASSENGER TRANSPORT ACTIVITIES WHILE EASING COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS

I. GENERAL PRINCIPLES

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1.1. Scope of risk classifications in passenger transport activities: commune level and can be at group/team, residential area, cluster/hamlet, village level.

1.2. Risk categories:

a) Level 1: Low risk (new normal) equivalent to green;

b) Level 2: Medium risk equivalent to yellow;

c) Level 3: High-risk equivalent to orange;

d) Level 4: Very high-risk equivalent to red.

2. Passenger transport activities

2.1. In very high-risk localities/regions (Level 4):

a) Stop passenger transport by public vehicles (except for taxis and app-based vehicles that offer less than nine seats and use vehicle partition and electronic payment). In case a passenger transport vehicle has a mandatory journey to pass through this locality/region, it is not allowed to stop or park here.

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- Airports that meet the requirements of Clause 6, Section IV, Part 2 and railway stations that meet the requirements of Clause 4, Section VI, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance;

- Those who work at airports and have direct contact with flight crew and passengers; those who work at train stations, railway centers or stations that have direct contact with train drivers, service staff and passengers must:

+ Comply with “5K message”1; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

+ Have received 1 dose of vaccine after 03 weeks and must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days) by RT-PCR or for rapid antigen; no testing is required for people who have received the full doses of vaccine or have recovered from COVID-19 within 6 months.

- Connection of inbound and outbound passenger transport at airports and railway stations shall comply with Section VII, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance.

2.2. In high risk localities/regions (Level 3): public vehicles of roads, railway, inland waterway, maritime can only carry half their designed capacity (trip or seats) Particularly for aviation, the frequency of operations specified in Clause 7, Section IV, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance will apply.

2.3. In low-risk (Level 1) and medium-risk (Level 2) localities/regions: public vehicles can resume operation as normal.

3. All passengers must satisfy the following requirements:

a) All passengers use means of transport on road, inland water, routes from shore to islands must: comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

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- comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

- test negative for SARS-CoV-2 within 72 hours (from the time the result is received) by RT-PCR or rapid antigen test.  No testing is required for people who have received the full doses of vaccine or have recovered from COVID-19 within 6 months.

4. In case the Government and the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, and the Ministry of Health issue new regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control for the regulated entities in this Interim Guidance, the new regulations shall prevail.

II. ROAD TRANSPORT

1. Transport operators

a) Develop a plan for COVID-19 prevention and control and an action plan for any case of COVID-19 as per regulations;

b) Have staff or health staff in place to cooperate with local health facilities to take actions against any case of COVID-19 at the workplace;

c) Take responsibility for monitoring and supervising closely the operation of vehicles and drivers throughout the transportation process; in which, strengthening inspection and supervision through GPS tracking devices, dashboard cameras;

d) Ensure vehicles and drivers operate according to the itinerary, with eligible passengers and comply with the pandemic safety protocols as prescribed;

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e) Request the driver, service staff on a vehicle to stop and park only along the road (for eating, drinking, cleaning) at the designated places specified in the Transport order or the Passenger transport contract.

2. Drivers and service staff on the vehicle must:

a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In medium-risk (Level 2) and high-risk (Level 3) localities/regions, they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days);

- In very high-risk localities/regions (Level 4): taxi drivers, app-based vehicles with less than 9 seats (cars for rental, tourist cars using electronic contracts) must be fully vaccinated or have been recovered from COVID-19 within 6 months and test negative for SARS-CoV-2 within 72 hours (from the result date) by RT-PCR or rapid antigen test;

b) Have hand sanitizer at a convenient place for passengers; apply natural ventilation measures suitable for each type of public transport; require passengers to wear masks during travel;

c) Clean and disinfect vehicles daily and after each trip for high-touch surfaces such as surfaces of steering wheels, door handles, seats, windows, floors, etc. For taxis and similar vehicles, the drivers and the attendants on the vehicle must clean the door handles and seats of the vehicle after each passenger boarding and deboarding with a quick-drying hand disinfectant.

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a) Fully satisfy the conditions for vehicle safety and emission inspection as prescribed; install GPS tracking devices, dashboard cameras according to Decree No. 10/2020/ND-CP and other relevant legislative documents;

b) Follow the COVID-19 safety protocols: have hand sanitizers and medical masks in place; clean and disinfect the vehicle after each use.

4. Bus stations

a) Develop a plan to pick up and drop off passengers in and out of the bus station in accordance with regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic;

b) Arrange points for health declaration and QR code scan;

c) Arrange points for rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2; arrange temporary isolation rooms or zones in well-ventilated areas;

d) Arrange ticket counters, waiting rooms and places to stop and park vehicles for passengers to get on and off vehicles in a manner that the required distance is maintained and the requirements on COVID-19 prevention and control of the Ministry of Health are satisfied;

dd) Raise the awareness of measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic in public areas;

e) If any driver, service staff, or passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the bus station must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions;

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h) Post up the hotline of the local authority for reporting any breach of regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Rest stops

a) Develop a plan for vehicles to enter and exit the rest stop in accordance with regulations on prevention and control of COVID-19;

b) Arrange points for health declaration and QR code scan;

c) Arrange points for rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2; arrange temporary isolation rooms or zones in well-ventilated areas;

d) Arrange places to stop and park vehicles for passengers to get on and off vehicles in a manner that the required distance is maintained and the requirements on COVID-19 prevention and control of the Ministry of Health are satisfied;

dd) Raise the awareness of measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic in public areas;

e) If any driver, service staff, or passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the bus station must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions;

g) Require passengers to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols as prescribed in Clause 3, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance;

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6. Persons working at bus stations and rest stops making direct contact with drivers, service staff, and passengers must

a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In localities/regions with medium risk (Level 2) and high risk (Level 3): they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days); no testing is required for people who have received 01 dose of vaccine after 03 weeks or have received the full dose(s) of vaccine or recovered from COVID-19 within 06 months.

c) Inspect, guide and assist passengers in making mandatory health declaration; regularly remind passengers to abide by the regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic of the Ministry of Health.

7. Frequency of passenger transport on roads by cars

a) For passenger transport on scheduled intra-provincial routes, buses, taxis, contracts, tourism, and transportation of students:  The Department of Transport shall give the People's Committee of the province counsel on this matter for decision in accordance with the principles set forth in Clause 2, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance;

b) For passenger transport on scheduled inter-provincial routes: The Departments of Transport at both ends of the route shall give the People's Committees of province counsel on how to resume the operation of the scheduled inter-provincial route; during the implementation process, based on the local situation of COVID-19 pandemic, the local Departments of Transport at both ends of the route shall reach an agreement on the frequency of operation according to the principles specified in Clause 2, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance.

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a) The Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, the Departments of Transport, and local authorities shall inspect and supervise the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control by transport operators, bus stations, and rest stops as per the law;

b) The actions against breaches of prevention and control of COVID-19 shall comply with the law.

III. MARITIME TRANSPORT (PASSENGER TRANSPORT FROM SHORE TO ISLANDS)

1. Transport operators, vehicle owners

a) Develop a plan for COVID-19 prevention and control and an action plan for any case of COVID-19 as per regulations;

b) Have staff or health staff in place to cooperate with local health facilities to take actions against any case of COVID-19 at the workplace;

c) Prepare vehicles that meet the requirements pertaining to maritime safety and security, fire safety and environmental protection as prescribed;

d) Prepare all necessary equipment and devices for the prevention and control of COVID-19 on board as per regulations of the Ministry of Health and local governments;

dd) If any passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the transport operator or vehicle owner must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions;

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2. Crew members, attendants on vehicles

a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In medium-risk (Level 2) and high-risk localities/regions (Level 3), they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days).

b) Clean and disinfect vehicles daily and after each trip for high-touch surfaces such as surfaces of steering wheels, door handles, seats, windows, floors, toilet areas, etc;

c) Have hand sanitizer at a convenient place for passengers; apply suitable natural ventilation measures; require passengers to wear masks during travel.

3. Means of transport

a) Fully satisfy the vehicle safety and emission inspection as per regulations;

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4. Wharf and port operators

a) Develop plans to pick up and drop off passengers in and out of ports and wharves in a manner that maritime safety, maritime security, fire safety, environmental protection and regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control are ensured;

b) Arrange points for health declaration and QR code scan;

c) Arrange points for rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2; arrange temporary isolation rooms or zones in well-ventilated areas;

d) Arrange ticket counters, waiting rooms and places to stop and park vehicles for passengers to get on and off vehicles in a manner that the required distance is maintained and the requirements on COVID-19 prevention and control of the Ministry of Health are satisfied;

dd) If any passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the wharf or port operator must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions;

e) Raise the awareness of measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic in public areas;

g) Require passengers to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols as prescribed in Clause 3, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance;

h) Post up the hotline of the local authority for reporting any breach of regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic.

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a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In localities/regions with medium risk (Level 2) and high risk (Level 3): they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days); no testing is required for people who have received 01 dose of vaccine after 03 weeks or have received the full dose(s) of vaccine or recovered from COVID-19 within 06 months.

c) Inspect, guide and assist passengers in making mandatory health declaration; regularly remind passengers to abide by the regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic of the Ministry of Health.

6. During the implementation process, based on the situation of COVID-19 pandemic in the locality and on the basis of the unanimous opinion of the Departments of Transport at both ends of the route, the Vietnam Maritime Administration shall decide the number of trips or the number of seats on the vehicle according to the principles specified in Clause 2, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance.

7. Inspection, supervision and actions against breaches

a) The Vietnam Maritime Administration and local authorities shall inspect and supervise the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control by transport operators, vehicle owners, ports and wharves as per the law;

b) The actions against breaches of prevention and control of COVID-19 shall comply with the law.

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1. Transport operators, vehicle drivers, flight attendants (flight crew) and other aviation personnel participating in the service of flights, means of transport, airports, airfields and seaplane landing areas must meet the requirements of the Interim Guidance on pandemic control for air transport during the time of COVID-19 pandemic prevention and control issued together with Decision No. 1654/QD-BGTVT dated September 9, 2021 of the Minister of Transport.

2. Transport operators

a) Airlines have an air transport business license or a general aviation business license issued by the Ministry of Transport in accordance with regulations2; the operator's certificate issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam that is still valid according to the regulations of the Ministry of Transport on aviation safety regulations;

b) Comply with COVID-19 safety protocols.

3. Vehicle drivers and service staff (flight crew):

a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In medium-risk (Level 2) and high-risk (Level 3) localities/regions, they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days);

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c) Have hand sanitizer at a convenient place for passengers; require passengers to wear masks during travel;

d) Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces of vehicles such as door handles, seats, etc. after each trip.

4. Other aviation staff participating in the flight service that have direct contact with flight crew and passengers:

a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In localities/regions with medium risk (Level 2) and high risk (Level 3): they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days); no testing is required for people who have received 01 dose of vaccine after 03 weeks or have received the full dose(s) of vaccine or recovered from COVID-19 within 06 months.

5. Means of transport

a) Aircraft of airlines and general aviation businesses are licensed by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and maintain flight safety supervision according to the regulations of the Ministry of Transport on aviation safety regulations;

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c) Follow the COVID-19 safety protocols: have hand sanitizers and medical masks in place; clean and disinfect the vehicle after each use.

6. Airports, airfields, seaplane landing areas

a) Develop plans to pick up and drop off passengers in and out of airports in a manner that aviation safety, aviation security, fire safety, environmental protection and regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control are ensured;

b) Airports with a valid certificate of airport operation issued by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam;

c) Airfields and seaplane landing areas for general aviation activities (Ha Long, Vung Tau, etc.) that have been licensed by the Ministry of National Defense;

d) Arrange points for health declaration and QR code scan;

dd) Arrange points for rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2; arrange temporary isolation rooms or zones in well ventilated areas;

e) Arrange ticket counters, waiting rooms and places for passengers to get on and off vehicles in a manner that the requirements on COVID-19 prevention and control of the Ministry of Health are satisfied;

g) If any aviation staff member or passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the airport, airfield, or seaplane landing area must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions;

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i) Require passengers to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols as prescribed in Clause 3, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance;

k) Post up the hotline of the local authority for reporting any breach of regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic.

7. Frequency of operations

a) Phase 1 (up to 10 days from the date of application of this Interim Guidance):  each airline’s services will not exceed an average frequency of 50% of their first 10 days of April 2021 on each route, with seat social distancing practice;

b) Phase 2 (up to 10 days from the end date of Phase 1): each airline’s services will not exceed an average frequency of 70% of their first 10 days of April 2021 on each route (seat social distancing is not required);c) Phase 3 (from the end date of Phase 1): each airline’s services will not exceed the average frequency of their first 10 days of April 2021 on each route (seat social distancing is not required);

d) Phase 4 (new normal): normal resumption of operation;

dd) During the implementation of phases 1 and 2: new routes, with a frequency of one flight/day of each airline may operate with a frequency of one flight/day; seat social distancing in phase 1 is required;

e) Based on the situation of COVID-19 pandemic in the localities, on the basis of the unanimous opinion of the People's Committees of provinces where airports and airfields (of destination and departure) are located, the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam will decide to adjust frequency of operations according to the stages at point a, point b, point c, point d and point dd of this clause.

In case the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control or the Ministry of Health has its own regulations, the direction of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control or the Ministry of Health shall prevail.

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a) The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam and local authorities shall inspect and supervise the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control by airports, airlines and passengers at airports and airfields according to the law;

b) The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall supervise the sale of tickets by airlines according to the prescribed frequencies;

c) The actions against breaches of prevention and control of COVID-19 shall comply with the law.

V. INLAND WATER TRANSPORT

1. Transport operators, vehicle owners

a) Develop a plan for COVID-19 prevention and control and an action plan for any case of COVID-19 as per regulations;

b) Have staff or health staff in place to cooperate with local health facilities to take actions against any case of COVID-19 at the workplace;

c) Prepare vehicles that meet the requirements pertaining to safety and security, fire safety and environmental protection as prescribed;

d) Prepare all necessary equipment and devices for the prevention and control of COVID-19 on board as per regulations of the Ministry of Health and local governments;

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e) If any passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the transport operator or vehicle owner must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions.

2. Crew members, attendants on vehicles

a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In medium-risk (Level 2) and high-risk localities/regions (Level 3), they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days).

b) Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces of vehicles daily and after each trip: surfaces of steering wheels, door handles, seats, windows, floors, toilet areas, etc.;

c) Have hand sanitizer at a convenient place for passengers; apply suitable natural ventilation measures; require passengers to wear masks during travel.

3. Means of transport

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b) Follow the COVID-19 safety protocols: have hand sanitizers and medical masks in place; clean and disinfect the vehicle after each use.

4. Inland ports and wharves

a) Develop plans to pick up and drop off passengers in and out of ports and wharves in a manner that safety, security, fire safety, environmental protection and regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control are ensured;

b) Arrange points for health declaration and QR code scan;

c) Arrange points for rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2; arrange temporary isolation rooms or zones in well ventilated areas;

d) Arrange ticket counters, waiting rooms and places for passengers to get on and off vehicles in a manner that the required distance is maintained and the requirements on COVID-19 prevention and control of the Ministry of Health and local governments are satisfied;

dd) If any crew member, attendant, or passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the inland port or wharf must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions;

e) Raise the awareness of measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic in public areas;

g) Require passengers to follow the COVID-19 safety protocols as prescribed in Clause 3, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance;

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5. Persons working at ports or wharves making direct contact with crew members, attendants on vehicles and passengers must

a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In localities/regions with medium risk (Level 2) and high risk (Level 3): they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days); no testing is required for people who have received 01 dose of vaccine after 03 weeks or have received the full dose(s) of vaccine or recovered from COVID-19 within 06 months.

c) Inspect, guide and assist passengers in making mandatory health declaration; regularly remind passengers to abide by the regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic of the Ministry of Health.

6. During the implementation process, based on the situation of COVID-19 pandemic in the locality, the Department of Transport shall decide the number of trips or the distance between seats according to the principles specified in Clause 2, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance.

7. Inspection, supervision and actions against breaches

a) The Vietnam Inland Waterway Administration, Department of Transport, and local authorities shall inspect and supervise the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control by transport operators, vehicle owners, inland ports and wharves as per the law;

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VI. RAILWAY TRANSPORT

1. Railway transport operators

a) Develop a plan for COVID-19 prevention and control and an action plan for any case of COVID-19 as per regulations;

b) Have staff or health staff in place to cooperate with local health facilities to take actions against any case of COVID-19 at the workplace;

c) Prepare railway vehicles that meet the requirements pertaining to safety and security, fire safety and environmental protection as prescribed;

d) Prepare all necessary equipment and devices for the prevention and control of COVID-19 on board as per regulations of the Ministry of Health and local governments;

dd) If any passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the transport operator or vehicle owner must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions;

e) Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces of vehicles before and after each trip: cabs, passenger coaches, seats, toilet areas, etc.), during the trip, it is necessary to disinfect regularly depending on the actual situation.

2. Train drivers, service staff on board must

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b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

- In medium-risk (Level 2) and high-risk localities/regions (Level 3), they must be tested for SARS-CoV-2 weekly (every 7 days);

- In very high-risk localities/regions (Level 4): they must be fully vaccinated or have been recovered from COVID-19 within 6 months and test negative for SARS-CoV-2 within 72 hours (from the result date) by RT-PCR or rapid antigen test.

c) Have hand sanitizer at a convenient place for passengers; apply suitable natural ventilation measures; require passengers to wear masks during travel;

d) Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces of vehicles daily and after each trip: cabs, passenger coaches, seats, toilet areas, etc.), during the trip, it is necessary to disinfect regularly depending on the actual situation;

dd) Inspect, guide and assist passengers in making mandatory health declaration before boarding; regularly remind passengers to abide by the regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic of the Ministry of Health;

e) Supplementing personal information for passengers who do not have or lack personal information (through checking on PDA (Personal Digital Assistants) or mobile phones).

3. Railway vehicles

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b) Arrange a separate area to isolate suspected COVID-19 passengers on board temporarily suitable to the actual situation on board;

c) Follow the COVID-19 safety protocols: have hand sanitizers and medical masks in place; clean and disinfect the vehicle after each trip.

4. Train stations

a) Develop plans to pick up and drop off passengers in and out of train stations in a manner that safety, security, fire safety, environmental protection and regulations on COVID-19 prevention and control are ensured;

b) Arrange points for health declaration and QR code scan;

c) Arrange points for rapid antigen test for SARS-CoV-2; arrange temporary isolation rooms or zones in well ventilated areas;

d) Arrange ticket counters, waiting rooms and places for passengers to get on and off vehicles in a manner that the required distance is maintained and the requirements on COVID-19 prevention and control of the Ministry of Health and local governments are satisfied;

dd) If any driver, service staff, or passenger shows signs of fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, the train station must take them to an isolation place and immediately notify the local health authority for further actions;

e) Raise the awareness of measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic in public areas;

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h) Post up the hotline of the local authority for reporting any breach of regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic.

5. Railway centers and stations shall take charge and coordinate with train stations in performing the following:

a) Checking and guiding passengers to make mandatory health declaration to ensure that all passengers must fill in a health declaration before boarding the train (unless the passenger arrives at the station close to the train departure time, the declaration will be filled in on board);

b) Checking passengers' body temperature and test papers before entering the train station or boarding the train; in case a passenger is found to have symptoms of cough, fever or shortness of breath, the railway center or station must promptly notify the local health authority for further actions;

c) Regularly raise the awareness and guide passengers on measures to prevent and control the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Those who work at train stations, railway centers and stations and have direct contact with train drivers, service staff on board and passengers must:

a) comply with “5K message”; make health declarations as regulated by the Ministry of Health;

b) test for SARS-CoV-2 (by PCR or rapid antigen test):

- When they have cough, fever, shortness of breath or related epidemiological factors;

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- In very high-risk localities/regions (Level 4): they must be fully vaccinated or have been recovered from COVID-19 within 6 months and test negative for SARS-CoV-2 within 72 hours (from the result date) by RT-PCR or rapid antigen test.

c) Inspect, guide and assist passengers in making mandatory health declaration; regularly remind passengers to abide by the regulations on prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic of the Ministry of Health;

7. During the implementation process, based on the situation of COVID-19 pandemic in the localities, on the basis of the unanimous opinion of the People's Committees of provinces where train stations (of destination and departure) are located, the Vietnam Railway Administration shall decide the number of pairs of trains, pick-up and drop-off stations on the route according to the principles specified in Clause 2, Section I, Part 2 of this Interim Guidance.

8. Inspection, supervision and actions against breaches

a) Vietnam Railway Administration and local authorities shall inspect and supervise the implementation of COVID-19 prevention and control by railway operators as per regulations; supervise the sale of tickets by railway transport operators in accordance with Clause 7 of this Section;

b) The actions against breaches of prevention and control of COVID-19 shall comply with the law.

VII. CONNECTING TRANSPORT OF INBOUND AND OUTBOUND PASSENGERS AT AIRPORTS AND TRAIN STATIONS IN VERY HIGH LOCALITIES/REGIONS (LEVEL 4)

1. Airport authorities, train station authorities shall:

a) Arrange locations and areas in airports and train stations for road transport vehicles to pick up and drop off passengers; guide road transport vehicles to go in and out of airports and train stations according to designated locations and areas;

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c) Coordinate with the Departments of Transport of (provinces/cities where airports, train stations are located) to pick up and drop off passengers through the airports or train stations.

2. Departments of Transport of (provinces/cities where airports, train stations are located) shall take charge and cooperate with departments, local authorities and the airport and train station authorities in connecting transport of passengers on roads with airports and train stations.

3. Car transport operators, drivers shall:

a) Transport passengers to and from airports and train stations according to the principle of “one road, two destinations”; stop and parking is not allowed on the trip (except for an emergency);

b) Comply with the instructions of the Department of Transport and the airport or train station authority when transporting passengers to and from the airports or train stations.

4. Passengers shall strictly abide by the instructions of airports and train stations in the prevention and control of COVID-19.

PART 3

IMPLEMENTATION

1. Request the Ministry of Health, the Ministry of Public Security and the concerned ministries and agencies to coordinate with the Ministry of Transport and the People's Committees of provinces in directing and guiding the passenger transport activities of 5 sectors (roads, railways, inland waterways, maritime, aviation) while localities implement levels of COVID-19 prevention and control according to their respective fields of management.

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a) Direct the Department of Transport to take charge and coordinate with relevant agencies in, based on the actual situation in the province/city and this Interim Guidance, giving the People's Committee of province/city counsel on a plan for passenger transport activities for issuance for a safe, flexible adaptation to and  effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic and no congestion at pandemic control checkpoints;

b) Direct Departments of Transport to take charge and cooperate with departments, local authorities and the airport and train station authorities in connecting transport of passengers on roads with airports and railway stations.

3. Directorate for Roads of Vietnam and  the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, Vietnam Maritime Administration Vietnam Railway Administration, Inland Waterways shall:

3.1. Initiate the implementation of this Interim Guidance;

3.2. Publish on the website of the Directorate and Departments on regulations on passenger transport activities associated with the prevention and control of COVID-19 pandemic; frequency of passenger transport operations; hotline for guidance, feedbacks and problems.

3.3. Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam, Vietnam Railway Administration shall:

a) Develop a plan for passenger transport activities based on this Interim Guidance for a safe, flexible adaptation to and effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic;

b) The Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam shall direct the Airport Authority, the Airports Corporation of Vietnam, and Van Don International Airport to coordinate with the Departments of Transport and local authorities to connect transport of passengers on roads with aviation transport;

c) The Vietnam Railway Administration shall direct the Vietnam Railway Corporation to coordinate with the Departments of Transport and local authorities to connect transport of passengers on roads with railway transport.

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a) Take charge and coordinate with relevant agencies in, based on the actual situation in the province/city and this Interim Guidance, giving the People's Committee of province/city counsel on a plan for passenger transport activities for issuance for a safe, flexible adaptation to and  effective control of the COVID-19 pandemic and no congestion at pandemic control checkpoints;

b) Take charge and cooperate with departments, local authorities and the airport and train station authorities in connecting transport of passengers on roads transport of passengers by air and railway.

c) Instruct and request transport operators, bus stations, ports and inland waterway terminals in their localities to comply with this Interim Guidance and local directions;

d) Publish on the website of the Department of Transport and announce on the mass media the regulations on passenger transport activities associated with the prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic; frequency of passenger transport operations; hotline for transport operators, bus stations, ports, inland waterways, vehicle drivers to know and act accordingly, and receive complaints and handle arising situations.

5. Vietnam Automobile Transportation Association (VATA), Local Automobile Transport Association, Vietnam Inland Water Transport Association, Vietnam Ship Owners Association shall raise the awareness of local transport operators to comply with this Interim Guidance, relevant guiding documents and instructions to ensure smooth and safe transport of passengers and prevention and control of the COVID-19 pandemic as per regulations.

6. Passenger transport operators in 5 sectors; bus stations, rest stops on roads; ports, wharves, inland waterway wharves; airports, airfields, seaplane landing areas; train stations, railway centers and stations shall strictly comply with this Interim Guidance, regulations of the Ministry of Health and relevant laws./.

1  Khau trang (facemask) - Khu khuan (disinfection) - Khoang cach (distance) - Khong tu tap (no gathering) - Khai bao y te (health declaration)

2 In Decree No. 92/2016/ND-CP dated July 1, 2016 of the Government on conditional business lines in the field of civil aviation; Decree No. 89/2019/ND-CP dated November 15, 2019 of the Government on amendments to the Government's Decree No. 92/2016/ND-CP dated July 1, 2016 on conditional business lines in the field of civil aviation and the Government's Decree No. 30/2013/ND-CP dated April 8, 2013 on air transportation business and general aviation activities.