What are requirements for bus drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam?

What are requirements for bus drivers during the COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam? - image from internet

Based on Subsection 4, Section II of the Temporary Guidelines for Organizing Transportation Activities in 5 sectors (road, inland waterway, maritime, rail, and aviation) to ensure safe, flexible, and effective adaptation to the COVID-19 pandemic (issued together with Decision 1812/QD-BGTVT in 2021), the regulations are as follows:

Requirements for bus drivers are as follows:

4.1. Implementation of preventive measures:

a) Comply with the "5K Message" and health declaration as prescribed by the Ministry of Health.

b) Strictly adhere to COVID-19 preventive measures as guided by the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Ministry of Health.

4.2. Medical testing:

a) Test individuals displaying symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, difficulty breathing, etc.; random screening tests conducted periodically by healthcare agencies.

b) Random testing for high-risk groups according to the transport unit's pandemic prevention and control plan.

c) For all levels of the pandemic, testing is only required for drivers in the following cases:

- Suspected cases or epidemiological investigation from level 3 pandemic areas.

- Coming from level 4 pandemic areas or medical quarantine zones (lockdown); no testing required for intra-area travel.

d) For individuals who have completed the vaccination or have recovered from the disease, testing is only required in the following cases:

- When there is an epidemiological investigation request.

- Coming from level 4 pandemic areas or medical quarantine zones (lockdown).

- SARS-CoV-2 testing is conducted using RT-PCR or rapid antigen testing with results valid within 72 hours (from receiving the results).

4.3. Prior to, during, and after the journey, if drivers exhibit symptoms such as fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, loss of taste and smell, difficulty breathing, etc., their health must be monitored, and immediate notification should be made to the transport unit and local healthcare authorities to implement the prescribed pandemic handling procedures.

4.4. In the case of a positive SARS-CoV-2 test result for drivers on a journey, follow the guidance of the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control and the Ministry of Health.

4.5. Provide hand sanitizing solution at convenient locations for passengers to use; apply appropriate natural ventilation measures for each type of public transportation; require passengers to wear masks throughout the journey.

4.6. Daily cleaning and disinfection of vehicles and after each trip for frequently touched surfaces such as the steering wheel, door handles, seats, windows, vehicle floor, etc. Pay attention to taxi and similar vehicles where drivers and onboard service staff must quickly disinfect door handles and seats after each passenger disembarks using sanitizing solution.

Best regards!