COVID 19 (CORONA VIRUS) UPDATES FOR ALL NATIONALITIES & STATUS

Jlgarbutt wrote:

The contents of the Directive are as follows:

The COVID-19 epidemic broke out globally, affecting over 72,000 people, nearly 3.5 million died in more than 200 countries and territories and there was no sign of stopping. In Vietnam, the number of cases is increasing rapidly day by day and there is a high risk of infection in the community. It is predicted that the disease will spread rapidly on a large scale, seriously threatening human life, human health and socio-economic of the country.


Affecting over 72,000 people.... and yet 3..5 million died... how is that possible ?

Almost certainly an error in the Google Translation.

Jlgarbutt wrote:

Affecting over 72,000 people.... and yet 3..5 million died... how is that possible ?

Anything is possible with Google Translate!

I hope so.... wording matches though so who knows 😊

Jlgarbutt wrote:

The contents of the Directive are as follows:

The COVID-19 epidemic broke out globally, affecting over 72,000 people, nearly 3.5 million died in more than 200 countries and territories and there was no sign of stopping. In Vietnam, the number of cases is increasing rapidly day by day and there is a high risk of infection in the community. It is predicted that the disease will spread rapidly on a large scale, seriously threatening human life, human health and socio-economic of the country.


Affecting over 72,000 people.... and yet 3..5 million died... how is that possible ?

I saw that too......gotta be a typo I think, or should be reversed? 3.5 infected with 72,000 deaths........right

1 vạn = 10,000

3.5 vạn = 35,000
72 vạn = 720,000

Ask forum resident vietnamese expert if you want.

Did warn you about computer translations on another thread. Post had naughty (crude) word. One vip member in particular was offended.

***
Well . . .. . Guess what. Just got this confirmation from Vietvisa.
Vietnam Government recommends people stay athome and make social distancing to stop transmission of Corona virus, they will stop issue visa extension until April 15, 2020. From April 16, 2020 they will continue processing visa extension as usual. The Vietnam Government informed that if your current visa expire from this time to April 15, there's no problem for you.

Hello everyone, I had to move some posts from this topic.

Regarding Covid 19, we are all on the same boat, so please, avoir using Ad Hominem and Ad Personam arguments.
Thank you.

Loïc

Loïc wrote:

Hello everyone, I had to move some posts from this topic.

Regarding Covid 19, we are all on the same boat, so please, avoir using Ad Hominem and Ad Personam arguments.
Thank you.

Loïc

Seems ok for some and not for others.

There does seem to be a bias here some days towards some members ... maybe its the virus situation affecting my thought process.

But some regular posters get almost censored for what are clearly intended as a bit of fun... while others get off scott free

Jlgarbutt wrote:

There does seem to be a bias here some days towards some members ... maybe its the virus situation affecting my thought process.

But some regular posters get almost censored for what are clearly intended as a bit of fun... while others get off scott free

Yup. I guess it depends on where you are on the ladder or who your sponsor is, connection to local party etc.
A bit of fun is ok for some whilst others get reprimanded or posts removed. Just the way it is I guess.

Indices wrote:

Seems ok for some and not for others.

"All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others." - George Orwell

Jlgarbutt wrote:

There does seem to be a bias here some days towards some members ... maybe its the virus situation affecting my thought process.

But some regular posters get almost censored for what are clearly intended as a bit of fun... while others get off scott free

Ad Hominem and Ad Personam by certain posters (e.g VIP members) is okay, unless it turns out they've lost face.

Indices wrote:

Loïc wrote:

Hello everyone, I had to move some posts from this topic.

Regarding Covid 19, we are all on the same boat, so please, avoir using Ad Hominem and Ad Personam arguments.
Thank you.

Loïc

Seems ok for some and not for others.

What in the world are you on about?

MY posts were removed too.

Get a grip

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Indices wrote:

Loïc wrote:

Hello everyone, I had to move some posts from this topic.

Regarding Covid 19, we are all on the same boat, so please, avoir using Ad Hominem and Ad Personam arguments.
Thank you.

Loïc

Seems ok for some and not for others.

What in the world are you on about?

MY posts were removed too.

Get a grip

Personal attack ? Ooooh . ..  Wonder how that will be greeted. ( you forgot your emojis )

Indices wrote:

***
Well . . .. . Guess what. Just got this confirmation from Vietvisa.
Vietnam Government recommends people stay athome and make social distancing to stop transmission of Corona virus, they will stop issue visa extension until April 15, 2020. From April 16, 2020 they will continue processing visa extension as usual. The Vietnam Government informed that if your current visa expire from this time to April 15, there's no problem for you.

I just received an email from the US EMBASSY in Hanoi with virtually the same message:

"Important Information for U.S. Citizens:

Vietnamese Immigration authorities informed the U.S. Mission that Vietnam's immigration offices will close until April 15.  They have informed us that U.S. citizens and other foreigners with visas that expire during the closure will not be considered overstays for the period of April 1-15.  Some immigration offices may keep limited staffing during this time to process emergency cases.  The U.S. Mission will continue to update U.S. citizens as information becomes available."

https://vietnamnews.vn/society/674512/n … ncing.html

zeubie wrote:

https://vietnamnews.vn/society/674512/no-penalties-for-overstaying-during-national-social-distancing.html

I would assume that this includes Americans with one-year visas who are required to leave every three months, but it would be nice to have direct assurance of this.

paulmsn wrote:

zeubie wrote:

https://vietnamnews.vn/society/674512/no-penalties-for-overstaying-during-national-social-distancing.html

I would assume that this includes Americans with one-year visas who are required to leave every three months, but it would be nice to have direct assurance of this.

I really don't know how much more direct Assurance you can have than a quote from the US Embassy.

Did you see that post before the one from Vietnam news?

paulmsn wrote:

zeubie wrote:

https://vietnamnews.vn/society/674512/no-penalties-for-overstaying-during-national-social-distancing.html

I would assume that this includes Americans with one-year visas who are required to leave every three months, but it would be nice to have direct assurance of this.

I am taking it that it applies to everyone regardless of nationality or exact visa type.

If they're shut, they're shut. 

My link is better than your link.   

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

I really don't know how much more direct Assurance you can have than a quote from the US Embassy.

Did you see that post before the one from Vietnam news?

All the news and posts refer to visa expiration.  Mine does not expire until October, but written in my passport is the date that I must leave the country, three months after my last return to Vietnam.  I would like assurance that this requirement is also waived, but so far that hasn't been addressed.  The date is more than a month away, but I suspect that this crisis will not be resolved by the time that date arrives.

paulmsn wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

I really don't know how much more direct Assurance you can have than a quote from the US Embassy.

Did you see that post before the one from Vietnam news?

All the news and posts refer to visa expiration.  Mine does not expire until October, but written in my passport is the date that I must leave the country, three months after my last return to Vietnam.  I would like assurance that this requirement is also waived, but so far that hasn't been addressed.  The date is more than a month away, but I suspect that this crisis will not be resolved by the time that date arrives.

I'm assuming you got that Visa through an agent. Have you asked them?

paulmsn wrote:

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

I really don't know how much more direct Assurance you can have than a quote from the US Embassy.

Did you see that post before the one from Vietnam news?

All the news and posts refer to visa expiration.  Mine does not expire until October, but written in my passport is the date that I must leave the country, three months after my last return to Vietnam.  I would like assurance that this requirement is also waived, but so far that hasn't been addressed.  The date is more than a month away, but I suspect that this crisis will not be resolved by the time that date arrives.

Immigration at present is stamping visas in country for things such as this. An example is the VEC which requires the holder to exit the country and reenter. The price to do this is a bit extreme, at around 250 usd. They know you cant exit at present and have inflated the price to reflect this.

Who knows what things will be like in a months time.

OceanBeach92107 wrote:

Indices wrote:

***
Well . . .. . Guess what. Just got this confirmation from Vietvisa.
Vietnam Government recommends people stay athome and make social distancing to stop transmission of Corona virus, they will stop issue visa extension until April 15, 2020. From April 16, 2020 they will continue processing visa extension as usual. The Vietnam Government informed that if your current visa expire from this time to April 15, there's no problem for you.

I just received an email from the US EMBASSY in Hanoi with virtually the same message:

"Important Information for U.S. Citizens:

Vietnamese Immigration authorities informed the U.S. Mission that Vietnam's immigration offices will close until April 15.  They have informed us that U.S. citizens and other foreigners with visas that expire during the closure will not be considered overstays for the period of April 1-15.  Some immigration offices may keep limited staffing during this time to process emergency cases.  The U.S. Mission will continue to update U.S. citizens as information becomes available."

Certain (not all) Embassies/Consulates, various newspapers and visa agents are telling people whose visas expire and who cannot get an extension during the Vietnam Immigration office shutdown from April 1 to April 15, 2020 they will not be penalized for 'overstaying' during that period.

However, that is NOT what Vietnam Immigration is saying -
https://xuatnhapcanh.gov.vn/vi/tin-tuc/ … -ch%C6%B0a

Excerpts:
"Implementation time is from March 30, 2020 to April 30, 2020":

"Cases of overdue temporary stay of less than 10 days due to objective force majeure reasons (with papers and supporting documents), may be considered for exemption from administrative violations."

and

"Individuals who overstayed their temporary residence validity period for less than 10 days because of objective reasons and force majeure situations (with documentation evidence) can be considered for administrative penalty waivers."

In other words, Immigration is saying if an individual is in overstay for a period of up to 9 days due to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic and has not been able to leave the country, that individual "may be considered for exemption from administrative violations" (IF they have papers and supporting documents); or, "can be considered for administrative penalty waivers" (IF they have documentation evidence).

Well yes obviously the official wording is the usual cover-their-ass govspeak which as always boils down to, "We'll do whatever we like whenever the whimsy strikes us."

If they are going to be assholes there's not much you can do about it, in the meantime I'm stuffing myself with fresh fruit and seafood at insanely low prices and spending many happy hours each day in bed with the currently unemployed girlfiend. Carpe diem. And carpe mông 

Brick23 wrote:

Well yes obviously the official wording is the usual cover-their-ass govspeak which as always boils down to, "We'll do whatever we like whenever the whimsy strikes us."

If they are going to be assholes there's not much you can do about it, in the meantime I'm stuffing myself with fresh fruit and seafood at insanely low prices and spending many happy hours each day in bed with the currently unemployed girlfiend. Carpe diem. And carpe mông 

PMSL, can I ask, where are you now?

goodolboy wrote:

PMSL, can I ask, where are you now?

Northern 'burbs of Nha Trang. May well end my days here at this rate but I'm heading back to Valhalla with a grin like James Coburn!

cruisemonkey wrote:

Vietnamese Immigration authorities informed the U.S. Mission that Vietnam's immigration offices will close until April 15.........

"Cases of overdue temporary stay of less than 10 days due to objective force majeure reasons (with papers and supporting documents), may be considered for exemption from administrative violations.".............

"Individuals who overstayed their temporary residence validity period for less than 10 days because of objective reasons and force majeure situations (with documentation evidence) can be considered for administrative penalty waivers.".............

In other words, Immigration is saying if an individual is in overstay for a period of up to 9 days due to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic and has not been able to leave the country, that individual "may be considered for exemption from administrative violations" (IF they have papers and supporting documents); or, "can be considered for administrative penalty waivers" (IF they have documentation evidence).

So immigration will close from 1 April to 15 April which is 15 days but the grace period will be 10 days.  That's clear as mud.  Does that mean that if your visa runs out on 1 April that you are SOL?

THIGV wrote:

cruisemonkey wrote:

Vietnamese Immigration authorities informed the U.S. Mission that Vietnam's immigration offices will close until April 15.........

"Cases of overdue temporary stay of less than 10 days due to objective force majeure reasons (with papers and supporting documents), may be considered for exemption from administrative violations.".............

"Individuals who overstayed their temporary residence validity period for less than 10 days because of objective reasons and force majeure situations (with documentation evidence) can be considered for administrative penalty waivers.".............

In other words, Immigration is saying if an individual is in overstay for a period of up to 9 days due to the effects of the COVID-19 epidemic and has not been able to leave the country, that individual "may be considered for exemption from administrative violations" (IF they have papers and supporting documents); or, "can be considered for administrative penalty waivers" (IF they have documentation evidence).

So immigration will close from 1 April to 15 April which is 15 days but the grace period will be 10 days.  That's clear as mud.  Does that mean that if your visa runs out on 1 April that you are SOL?

I think what has happened is -
Immigration released/published their policy on overstays from March 30, 2020 to April 30, 2020
hướng-dẫn-việc-gia-hạn-tạm-trú-cho-công-dân-nước-ngoài-do-ảnh-hưởng-của-dịch-covid-19-chưa
on April 1.

Between the time the policy was drafted and the time it was released/published, the entire country was put on 'social distance quarantine' and it was decided the Immigration offices will close from April 1 thru April 15. Immigration has decided during this period, to forgive overstay penalties for anyone whose visa is expiring... because they can't possibly get an extension.

The timing - April 1- is a confusing coincidence (I hope).

Suvarnabhumi

goodolboy wrote:

Suvarnabhumi

https://i.ibb.co/pXYz0Bg/Screenshot-202 … senger.jpg

Ignorance is bliss!

goodolboy wrote:

Suvarnabhumi

https://i.ibb.co/pXYz0Bg/Screenshot-202 … senger.jpg

The immigration officers at Tan Son Nhat faced outraged repatriated Vietnamese from Poland and Czech who came on the government's chartered plane free of charge. Some of them demanded to have their passports back because they refused to be quarantined.  No one escaped, however, because they were in locked room or cordoned off area with guards. 

In Feb when we returned from Bali, the young couple in front of us were escorted off by 3 airport security men seconds after their passports were examined.  They came from Japan.

I thought this thread might be a good place to post a video of Queen Elizabeth's speech:

Queen Elizabeth II Address re: COVID-19

If you are Canadian you should register with the consulate. There is all kinds of info on getting home. Once there you'll have access to the $2000 a month program. I get emails almost daily listing flights, methods and even lists of tourist agents to get flights home. A specific route home was outlined in today's notice.

I don't know how to create a link to a particular post but I reported on the first COVID-19 cases on the USS Theodor Roosevelt in post #114.  That was about two weeks after the ship had been in Da Nang.  Now, just two weeks later and after a controversy regarding the dismissal of the Captain, the ship reports 550 positive tests for the crew.  https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/corona … s/2304186/

Fortunately after the initial reports, the press in the US does not seem to be saying anything about the high likelihood that the virus got on to the ship while in Da Nang.   It may be that the US Navy, not wanting to turn US public opinion against Vietnam, is intentionally not saying anything about the linkage in their press releases.   Moving around at sea could be a good place to be if the ship is clean but one of the worst places if the virus get onboard.

The National Steering Committee on COVID-19 Prevention will convene a meeting on Monday (April 13) to discuss whether to extend the social distancing duration, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam, chief of the committee, said on Friday.

The committee will then tender a proposal to the prime minister for final approval, Deputy PM Dam added.

THIGV wrote:

I don't know how to create a link to a particular post but I reported on the first COVID-19 cases on the USS Theodor Roosevelt in post #114.

If you navigate to your profile:

https://www.expat.com/forum/profile.php … mp;lang=en

You can then scroll down to your activity and click the "read more" link:

https://www.expat.com/forum/profile.php … n=timeline

Then scroll down until you locate the post you want to reference and click on the thread title of the post:

https://www.expat.com/forum/viewtopic.p … =3#4833916

An easier method than simply scrolling is to use the "find in page" function in most browsers and type in a key word.

I used "nationalities" but in retrospect, I think "roosevelt" would have been quicker.

Since I registered with my embassy I get regular Covid updates and info outlining Vietnamese government directives. Here is the latest from the Canadian Consulate in HCMC:

"Local Information:

ADMINISTRATIVE MEASURES

•    On April 22, the Prime Minister of Vietnam announced the easing of social distancing measures across the country. He stated that Vietnam has entered a new long-term phase during which anti-pandemic efforts must continue, along with efforts to bolster the economy.
•    The Prime Minister of Vietnam delegated, to provinces and municipalities, the authority to determine specific additional measures to each local context. Specific measures differ across the country based on the level of risk of each locality.  Follow the guidance of local authorities.
•    High-risk areas include Me Linh and Thuong Tin districts of Hanoi, Dong Van district of Ha Giang province, and Yen Phong district of Bac Ninh province.  These districts will continue to follow social distancing guidelines in accordance with Directive 16 (more information on this Directive is available here: https://vietnamtimes.org.vn/clarificati … 19690.html).
•    Individuals entering Vietnam will continue to be subject to a 14-day mandatory quarantine.
•    A number of measures will continue to apply nationwide until at least April 30, 2020.  These include:
o    Minimizing going out;
o    Wearing a mask in public, those who do not comply with this directive will be subject to fines;
o    Keeping a 2m distance from others;
o    Banning crowded events and non-essential services including the following non-exhaustive list: festivals, sports, bars, karaoke venues, massage parlours, beauty salons, flower shops, zoos;
o    Suspending religious gatherings, celebrations, sports, cultural activities of more then 20 people;
o    Restaurants, food stalls, malls and supermarkets are permitted to open, but must ensure that a safe distance between individuals is adhered to. These venues must also set up hand washing stations and visitors/customers must be subject to temperature checks;
o    People who feel sick or exhibit symptoms (particularly fever) must remain at home.

LOCAL TRAVEL/TRANSPORTATION/VISA

•    Travel restrictions between provinces/cities have been lifted nationwide although precautionary measures remain in effect.
•    Most popular beaches in Vietnam remain closed to limit the gathering of crowds.
•    The Ministry of Transport has announced a number of changes effective April 23rd, including an increase in domestic flights, resumption of interprovincial coaches (at a limited capacity), operation of contracted cars and tour buses (to operate at limited capacity), an increase in trains between Hanoi and HCMC and a resumption of domestic water transportation at reduced frequency.  More information available here: http://news.chinhphu.vn/Home/Transport- … /39865.vgp
•    In Ho Chi Minh City, taxis and contracted cars (<9-seat capacity, including ride-hailing services) have resumed operations. Provincial passenger transportation / Contracted cars and, tour buses will operated but at limited capacity.
•    Road checkpoints into Ho Chi Minh City are no longer in place.
•    Vietnamese Immigration offices have reopened.  Foreigners whose visas expired during the period between April 1-22 will not be considered to have overstayed.  Should you require a visa extension, you will need to submit the request to the authorities for consideration, following all standard rules and procedures.  Note that the Embassy of Canada in Hanoi and the Consulate General of Canada in Ho Chi Minh City are not able to act as an agent or sponsor the visa applications of Canadian citizens. "

It also gives a link to apply for emergency loans to get home and specific flight info from HCMC and Hanoi.
If you need that info register with the consulate. in HCMC or the embassy in Hanoi.

Canadian Consulate in HCMC

https://vietnamnews.vn/society/716109/b … virus.html