Managing Operations During Social Distancing: Strategies for Enterprises in Ho Chi Minh City
Social Distancing Extension
An urgent dispatch from Ho Chi Minh City’s administration on Monday outlined measures for epidemic prevention and control, extending social distancing until mid-September 2021 due to the worsening COVID-19 situation, particularly in Ho Chi Minh City. This announcement raises questions about how the city and its manufacturing operations will cope with the lockdown while maintaining business continuity.
Limited Resumption of Manufacturing Operations
During the social distancing period, five to ten percent of enterprises and manufacturing factories will be allowed to resume operations if they can adhere to one of four optional models. These models aim to minimize COVID-19 risks while enabling limited business activity.
Model 1: ‘Three on the Spot’
Under the ‘three on the spot’ model, workers will work, eat, and rest within their enterprises. An alternative is ‘three on the spot by shift,’ where this arrangement is applied in shifts.
Model 2: ‘One Route for Two Locations’
The ‘one route for two locations’ model involves organizing transportation for workers between their collective living quarters and workplaces.
Model 3: ‘Four Greens’
The ‘four greens’ model requires workers to travel on personal vehicles between their ‘green’ homes and ‘green’ workplaces through a ‘green’ route, avoiding high-risk areas. This model aims to keep workers within a COVID-free environment.
Model 4: Combined Approach
Enterprises can also opt for a combination of the first three models to maintain operations while minimizing the risk of COVID-19 transmission.
Continued Social Distancing Measures
The city's administration has extended the social distancing period by one month to curb the pandemic, as Ho Chi Minh City has become Vietnam’s largest COVID-19 hotspot with thousands of daily infections. The city will enforce social distancing measures under Directive No. 16 from August 16 to September 15.
Directive No. 16 Restrictions
Restrictions include the closure of non-essential businesses and services, a stay-home order, a ban on gatherings of more than two people, a minimum two-meter distance between individuals, and the suspension of public transport. These measures have been in place at varying levels since May 31.
COVID-19 Statistics and Impact
Since the pandemic began in early 2020, Ho Chi Minh City has reported over 154,000 COVID-19 cases and 4,912 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health. Nationwide, there have been 283,696 cases, including 281,251 domestic and 2,445 imported cases. Of these, 106,977 patients have recovered, and 6,141 have died.
Fourth Wave and Delta Variant
Since the fourth outbreak began in late April, Vietnam has registered 279,681 cases, making up 99.4 percent of the total count, with the highly contagious Delta variant prevalent in most infections.
Maintaining Business Amidst the Crisis
With the implementation of the four operational models, it is hoped that Vietnam's manufacturing sector can continue to develop despite the serious COVID-19 situation in Ho Chi Minh City. This approach aims to balance public health measures with economic needs during a challenging period.
Reference: Vietnam Insider Review
