Quyết định 3589/QD-BCD

DECISION

PROMULGATION OF CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND PREVENTION AGAINST COVID-19 AT PRODUCTION AND BUSINESS FACILITIES IN HO CHI MINH CITY

CHIEF OF HO CHI MINH CITY STEERING COMMITTEE FOR COVID-19 CONTROL

Pursuant to the Law on Local Government Organization dated June 19, 2015; the Law dated November 22, 2019 on Amendments to the Law on Local Government Organization;

Pursuant to the Law on Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases dated November 21, 2007;

Pursuant to Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP dated October 11, 2021 of the Government on promulgation of Interim regulations on “Safe and flexible adaption to and effective control of COVID-19”;

Pursuant to the Government's Decree No. 101/2010/ND-CP , which elaborates some Articles on quarantine, quarantine enforcement and epidemic control of the Law on Prevention and treatment of infectious diseases;

Pursuant to the Prime Minister’s Decision No. 447/QD-TTg dated April 01, 2020 on declaration of Covid-19 epidemic;

Pursuant to Decision No. 2194/QD-BCDQG dated May 27, 2020 of National Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control on promulgation of the Guidelines for Covid-19 Prevention And Infection Risk Assessment in Workplaces and Worker Dormitories”;

Pursuant to Decision No. 4800/QD-BYT dated October 12, 2021 of the Ministry of Health on health sector in implementation of the Resolution No. 128/NQ-CP dated October 11, 2021 on promulgation of Interim regulations on “Safe and flexible adaption to and effective control of COVID-19”;

Pursuant to Official Dispatch No. 5522/BYT-MT dated July 12, 2021 of the Ministry of Health promulgating the Model Covid-19 Prevention and Control Plan of businesses and model declaration of Covid-19 prevention and control at worker dormitories;

Pursuant to Official Dispatch No. 6666/BYT-MT dated August 16, 2021 of the Ministry of Health providing guidelines for Covid-19 prevention and control at workplaces;

Pursuant to Decision No. 3201/QD-UBND dated September 1, 2021 of the President of People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City to strengthen the Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control of Ho Chi Minh City;

Directive No. 18/CT-UBND dated September 30, 2021 on continuation of Covid-19 control, revisions to anti-Covid measures and step-by-step economic recovery and development in Ho Chi Minh City;

At the request of the Director of Department of Industry and Trade in Report No. 4435/TTr-SCT dated October 9, 2021 and opinions of the Director of the Department of Health in Official Dispatch No. 7407/SYT-NVY dated October 9, 2021

HEREBY DECIDES:

Article 1. The Criteria for Evaluation of Safety and Prevention Against Covid-19 at Production and Business Facilities in Ho Chi Minh City are promulgated together with this Decision, including:

- Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against Covid-19 of supermarkets, shopping malls, mini supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailing stores in Ho Chi Minh City.

- Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against Covid-19 at traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City.

- Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against Covid-19 at wholesale markets in Ho Chi Minh City.

- Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against COVID-19 at factories in Ho Chi Minh City.

- Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against Covid-19 at offices in Ho Chi Minh City.

Article 2. This Decision comes into force as of the date of signing and supersedes Decision No. 3328/QD-BYT dated September 15, 2021 of the Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control of Ho Chi Minh City.

Article 3. Chief of Office of the People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City, Director of Department of Health, Director of Department of Industry and Trade, heads of other Departments and authorities of the city, the President of the People’s Committees of districts and Thu Duc City, Presidents of the People’s Committees of wards, communes and commune-level towns, relevant organizations and individuals are responsible for the implementation of this Decision./.

CRITERIA

FOR EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND PREVENTION AGAINST COVID-19 IN PRODUCTIONAND TRADE IN HO CHI MINH CITY
(Promulgated together with Decision No. 3589/QD-BCD dated October 15, 2021 of Chief Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control of HCMC)

I. SCOPE, REGULATED ENTITIES, CONDITIONS FOR APPLICATION

1. Scope

Businesses, suppliers of goods (supermarkets, shopping malls, mini supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailing stores; traditional markets, wholesale markets); factories; offices located in Ho Chi Minh City (hereinafter referred to as “units”).

2. Regulated entities

Employees, employers at units; partners; customers of these units.

3. Conditions for application

3.1. Employees, employers at units; partners; customers who have been vaccinated against COVID-19, or have recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months, or have an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by rapid test or RT-PCR) as prescribed.

3.2. Safety conditions

- As for a person who has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date) or has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove that: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2)  he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date): may join production, business and social activities according to pandemic control levels of HCMC.

- As for a person who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19: he/she must obtain an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by rapid test or RT-PCR) as prescribed, he/she is given priority to work remotely or work at departments/divisions with limited contact and declare to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

II. RULES FOR OPERATION

Implementation of measures for safety and prevention against Covid-19 is the utmost importance.  A unit may only operate if the criteria for safety and prevention against Covid-19 are fully satisfied. During operation, employees, employers at units; partners; customers shall strictly make health declarations, follow 5K rule when they come to the premises for working, business activities or trade.

Regarding retailing, trade, service provision that deliver goods, only no-contact delivery is permissible. In case of cash payment, there must be separate trays for giving and receiving cash; goods must be handed over using intermediate objects in order to avoid direct contact.

III. CONDITIONS FOR OPERATION

A unit may only operate if the criteria for safety and prevention against Covid-19 are fully satisfied, including:

1. Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against Covid-19 of supermarkets, shopping malls, mini supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailing stores in Ho Chi Minh City (Appendix 1).

2. Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against Covid-19 at traditional markets in Ho Chi Minh City. (Appendix 2)

3. Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against Covid-19 at wholesale markets in Ho Chi Minh City. (Appendix 3)

4. Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against COVID-19 at factories in Ho Chi Minh City (Appendix 4).

5. Criteria for evaluation of safety and prevention against Covid-19 at offices of production, business, services in Ho Chi Minh City (Appendix 5).

IV. SEQUENCES OF EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND PREVENTION AGAINST COVID-19

1. Units shall carry out self-evaluation and self-implementation of these criteria, take responsibility for the evaluation result, and send notifications to relevant authorities (via Covid safety portal https://antoan-covid.tphcm.gov.vn/) for inspection.  Units operating in export processing zones, industrial parks and hi-tech parks shall send notifications to their management boards.  Other units shall inform the People’s Committees of districts and Thu Duc City.

The self-evaluation and self-implementation shall be carried out by each division, workshop, production line, production area, shopping area, office cluster, etc. in production and business facilities in order to isolate, handle F0 cases while maintaining safe operation of other production areas or business locations.

2. A unit that satisfies the established criteria may operate. During the operation, units shall regularly review and evaluate criteria according this set of criteria; if any criterion is not satisfied, then suspend the operation (only suspend the division, workshop, production line, production area, shopping area, office cluster, etc.) to take remedial measures and may resume operation when all criteria are fully satisfied as prescribed.

In case of operation suspension by an order of the competent authority, the unit may resume operation after is it assessed and approved by the competent authority.

V. IMPLEMENTATION

1. The Department of Industry and Trade shall take charge and cooperate with the Department of Information and Communications, Department of Health, management boards of export-processing zones and industrial parks of HCMC and management boards of hi-tech parks, the People’s Committees of districts and Thu Duc City are responsible for organizing and instructing units to implement these Criteria.

2. Management boards of export processing zones, industrial zones and hi-tech parks in the City, the People’s Committees of districts and Thu Duc City shall take charge and cooperate with Department of Industry and Trade and relevant units in monitoring, supervising, inspecting the results of evaluation of safety and prevention against COVID-19 of units in the City; handle violations against regulations on Covid-19 prevention and control and other regulations of law; request violating units to implement remedial measures before operation./.

APPENDIX 1

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND PREVENTION AGAINST COVID-19 OF SUPERMARKETS, SHOPPING MALLS, MINI SUPERMARKETS, CONVENIENCE STORES, FOOD RETAILING STORES IN HO CHI MINH CITY
(Promulgated together with Decision No. 3589/QD-BCD dated October 15, 2021 of Chief Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control of HCMC)

1. Criterion 1: Employees and customers

Employees and customers shall satisfy the following conditions:

a. Employees who have direct contact with customers (counter employees, cashiers, etc.): (1) He/she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19; (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove that: (1) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19;

Remaining divisions: (1) He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (3) He/she has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and has an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by rapid test or RT-PCR) as prescribed.

Drivers, delivery staff of suppliers: (1) He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date).

b. Customers: (1) He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date).

- The conditions are fully satisfied:                                              Passed.

- The conditions are not fully satisfied:                                   Failed.

2. Criterion 2: Testing

a. Employees who return to the workplace for the first time shall  have an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by quick test or RT-PCR) according to regulations.

b. Regarding screening tests and regular tests, comply with guidance of health authorities.

3. Criterion 3: Safety distances

a. Maintain a density of at least 4 m2/person (business area) and a distance of 2 m between two people at the business location. If it is impracticable to maintain a minimum distance of 2m between two people, prepare plans/measures to avoid direct contact, such as putting up partitions between areas, stalls, etc.

b. Prepare plans/measures for lining up customers and limiting the quantity of customers to avoid congestion and maintain safety distance as per regulations.

c. Maintain safety distance in the parking lot, warehouse and restrooms (not mandatory for mini supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailing stores).

d. There is an entrance and exit diagram; there are floor markings showing separate entrance and exit, one-direction movement (not mandatory for mini supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailing stores).

- At the entrance, there are floor markings showing the safety distance of 2 m between two people and there are employees responsible for this.

- At cashier counters, there are partitions between the cashier and the customers or a distance of over 2 m between the cashier and customers; there are floor markings showing the safety distance of at least 2 m between two customers at the cashier counters.  Cashless payment is recommended.  In case of cash payment, there must be separate trays for giving and receiving cash; goods must be handed over using intermediate objects in order to avoid direct contact.

4. Criterion 4: Inspection, supervision of implementation of anti-Covid measures at units

a. Screening:  require electronic health declaration; take body temperature; make facemasks mandatory; make sure employees, traders and customers wash their hands before entering the premises.

b. Organize a force to inspect, supervise, remind people to wear facemasks and keep safety distance.  Employees of mini supermarkets, convenience stores and food retailing stores may concurrently perform these tasks.

c. Do not allow an employee to work if he/she has any of the following symptoms: fatigue, fever, cough, sore throat, difficult breathing.  In case an employee or customer has any of these symptoms, carry out health inspection and handle the case in accordance with regulations of health authorities.

5. Criterion 5: Medical equipment and supplies for Covid-19 prevention and control at units

Medical equipment and supplies for Covid-19 prevention and control are available at appropriate locations at the parking lot, entrances, exits, cashier counters, restroom area, service area, shopping area, warehouses.

a. Equipment:  thermometers, sanitizer dispenser, QC scanner, Green Card scanner, etc. at entrances, exits and cashier counters.

b. Medical supplies:  sanitizer, specialized masks, medical masks, face shields, medical gloves for employees who have contact with customers such as those at parking lots, cashier counters, shopping areas, etc.

c. Other medical equipment and supplies for handling suspected cases according to instructions of health authorities.

6. Criterion 6: Environmental hygiene

a. The area where goods are received is separated from the shopping area (not mandatory for mini supermarkets, convenience stores, food retailing stores).

b. Frequently touched surfaces in the shopping area such as baskets, carts, door handles, public restrooms, elevator buttons, escalator handrails, playground (if any), etc. are sanitized at least 04 times/day.

c. The floor, common passages, furniture, objects in the room, shelves, booths, etc. are sanitized at least 01 time/day.

d. There are trash cans with lids. Trash collectors wear facemasks, face shields, medical gloves.  The trash storage room and the path through which the trash is moved are sanitized at least 01 time/day.

e. Increase ventilation in the rooms, shopping areas, playground (if any), etc; limit the use of air conditioners; make sure the temperature in the room is not below 25°C (except in fresh food areas and cold storage).

7. Criterion 7: Anti-Covid communications

a. Remind customers and employees using public address system of anti-Covid measures at least once every 02 hours or use other methods such as  placing warning signs, information boards, posters, etc. at the entrance or where they are noticeable.

b. Put up contact information of the person in charge of Covid-19 prevention and control of the unit and contact information of the local medical unit or hotline number of the local authority at the entrance or where it is noticeable in order to serve exchange of information, customers’ feedbacks and comments between the unit and the local authorities.

8. Criterion 8: Plan for Covid-19 prevention and control at the unit

There is a plan for COVID-19 prevention and control at the unit according to instructions of health authorities,  including the plan for handling suspected and confirmed Covid-19 cases; plan for closing, reopening after safety and prevention against Covid-19 are ensured.

The plan shall be revised according to reality and evaluation result.  Inform the local authority for inspection.

- The tasks are fully performed: Passed.

- The tasks are not performed or not fully performed: Failed./.

APPENDIX 2

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND PREVENTION AGAINST COVID-19 AT TRADITIONAL MARKETS IN HO CHI MINH CITY
(Promulgated together with Decision No. 3589/QD-BCD dated October 15, 2021 of Chief Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control of HCM)

1. Criterion 1: Employees and customers

Employees and customers shall satisfy the following conditions:

a. Employees who have direct contact with customers (market management employees, traders, porters, etc.): (1) He/she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19; (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove that: (1) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19;

Remaining units: (1) He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2)  he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (3) He/she has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and has an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by rapid test or RT-PCR) as prescribed.

b. Customers: (1) He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date).

2. Criterion 2: Testing

a. Employees who return to the workplace for the first time:  have an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by quick test or RT-PCR) according to regulations.

b. Regarding screening tests and regular tests, comply with guidance of health authorities.

3. Criterion 3: Safety distances, safe trade

a. Maintain a density of at least 4 m2/person (business area) and a distance of 2 m between two people at the business location. If it is impracticable to maintain a minimum distance of 2m between two people, prepare plans/measures to avoid direct contact, such as putting up partitions between stalls, between traders and customers, etc.

b. There is a plan or measure for control of people entering and leaving the market, limiting the quantity of customers to avoid congestion and maintain safety distance as per regulations, such as:  handing out passes or applying information technology to split time, control the number of people entering and leaving the market; apply odd-even date entry restriction if necessary; encourage online trade, etc.  There is a plan for maintaining safety distance in the parking lot and restroom area.

c. Safety measures are implemented in payment and delivery of goods. In case of cash payment, there must be separate trays for giving and receiving cash; goods must be handed over using intermediate objects in order to avoid direct contact.

d. There is an entrance and exit diagram; there are floor markings showing separate entrance and exit, one-direction movement and a minimum distance of 2 m between two people.

For traditional markets without market halls, separate entrance and exit are not mandatory.

4. Criterion 4: Inspection, supervision of implementation of anti-Covid measures at units

a. Screening:  require electronic health declaration; take body temperature; make facemasks mandatory; make sure employees, traders and customers wash their hands before entering the market.

b. Organize a force to inspect, supervise, remind people to wear facemasks and keep safety distance.  Security guards of traditional markets without market halls may concurrently perform these tasks.

c. Do not allow an employee to work; do now allow a trader or customer to enter the market if he/she has any of the following symptoms: fatigue, fever, cough, sore throat, difficult breathing.

d. Market management employees, traders, regular employees at the unit, delivery employees, porters, etc.)  and customers (buyers, suppliers, workplace visitors, etc.) who have any of the aforementioned symptoms shall be considered suspected Covid-19 cases.

5. Criterion 5: Medical equipment and supplies for Covid-19 prevention and control at units

Medical equipment and supply for Covid-19 prevention and control are available at appropriate locations at the parking lot, entrances, exits, restroom area, shopping area.

a. Equipment: thermometers, sanitizer dispenser, QC scanner, etc. at entrances, exits of the market.

b. Medical supplies:  hand-washing sinks, soap or sanitizer, etc. for employees, traders, customers at entrances, exits, shopping areas and other areas (in the market hall, restroom area, parking lot, etc.).

For traditional markets without market halls, sanitizer for employees, traders, customers where noticeable in the market.

c. Other medical equipment and supplies for handling suspected cases according to instructions of health authorities.

6. Criterion 6: Environmental hygiene

a. Trash is collected and transported at appropriate places.  Trash collectors wear facemasks, face shields, medical gloves.  The trash storage room and the path through which the trash is moved are sanitized at least 01 time/day.

b. The floor of the market hall, passages, public areas in the market are sanitized at least 01 time/day.  The public restrooms are sanitized at least 02 times/period.

7. Criterion 7: Anti-Covid communications

a. Remind customers and traders using public address system of anti-Covid measures at least once every 02 hours or use other methods such as  placing warning signs, information boards, posters, etc. at the entrance or where they are noticeable.

b. Put up contact information of the person in charge of Covid-19 prevention and control of the unit and contact information of the local medical unit or hotline number of the local authority at the entrance or where it is noticeable in order to serve exchange of information, customers’ feedbacks and comments between the unit and the local authorities.

8. Criterion 8: Plan for Covid-19 prevention and control at the unit according to instructions of health authorities

There is a plan for Covid-19 prevention and control at the unit according to instructions of health authorities,  including the plan for handling suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases; plan for closing, reopening after safety and prevention against Covid-19 are ensured.

The plan shall be revised according to reality and evaluation result.  Inform the local authority for inspection.

APPENDIX 3

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND PREVENTION AGAINST COVID-19 AT WHOLESALE MARKETS IN HO CHI MINH CITY
(Promulgated together with Decision No. 3328/QD-BCD dated September 15, 2021 of Chief Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control of HCMC)

1. Criterion 1: Employees and customers

Employees and customers shall satisfy the following conditions:

a. Employees who have direct contact with customers (market management employees, traders, porters, etc.) and customers: (1) He/she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19; (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove that: (1) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19;

Office personnel who have no direct contact with customers: (1) He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2)  he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (3) He/she has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and has an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by rapid test or RT-PCR) as prescribed.

b. Delivery drivers, driver assistants: (1) He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date).

2. Criterion 2: Testing

a. Employees who return to the workplace for the first time:  have an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by quick test or RT-PCR) according to regulations.

b. Regarding screening tests and regular tests, comply with guidance of health authorities.

3. Criterion 3: Safety distances, safe trade

a. Maintain a density of at least 4 m2/person (business area) and a distance of 2 m between two people at the business location. If it is impracticable to maintain a minimum distance of 2m between two people, prepare plans/measures to avoid direct contact, such as putting up partitions between stalls, between traders and customers, etc.

b. There is a plan for maintaining safety distance in the parking lot and restroom area.

c. There is an entrance and exit diagram; there are floor markings showing separate entrance and exit, one-direction movement and a minimum distance of 2 m between two people; there is a plan for traffic control to avoid congestion of goods transport vehicles at the gate of the market. Goods are received and dispatched at separate areas.

4. Criterion 4: Inspection, supervision of implementation of anti-Covid measures at units

a. Screening:  require electronic health declaration; take body temperature; make facemasks mandatory; make sure employees, traders and customers wash their hands before entering the market.

b. Organize a force to inspect, supervise, remind people to wear facemasks and keep safety distance.

c. Do not allow an employee to work if he/she has any of the following symptoms: fatigue, fever, cough, sore throat, difficult breathing.  In case an employee, trader or customer has any of these symptoms, carry out health inspection and handle the case in accordance with regulations of health authorities.

5. Criterion 5: Medical equipment and supplies for Covid-19 prevention and control at units

Medical equipment and supply for Covid-19 prevention and control are available at appropriate locations at the parking lot, entrances, exits, restroom area, shopping area.

a. Equipment: thermometers, sanitizer dispenser, QC scanner, etc. at entrances, exits of the market.

b. Medical supplies:  hand-washing sinks, soap or sanitizer, etc. for employees, traders, customers at entrances, exits, shopping areas and other areas (in the market hall, restroom area, parking lot, etc.).

c. Other medical equipment and supplies for handling suspected cases according to instructions of health authorities.

6. Criterion 6: Environmental hygiene

a. The floor of the market hall, passages, public areas in the market, the parking lot and public areas are sanitized at least 01 time/day.

b. The public restrooms are sanitized at least 02 times/period.

c. Trash is be collected and transported at appropriate places.  Trash collectors wear facemasks, face shields, medical gloves.  The trash storage room and the path through which the trash is moved are sanitized at least 01 time/day.

7. Criterion 7: Anti-Covid communications

a. Remind employees, customers and traders using public address system of anti-Covid measures at least once every 02 hours or use other methods such as  placing warning signs, information boards, posters, etc. at the entrance or where they are noticeable.

b. Put up contact information of the person in charge of Covid-19 prevention and control of the unit and contact information of the local medical unit or hotline number of the local authority at the entrance or where it is noticeable in order to serve exchange of information, customers’ feedbacks and comments between the unit and the local authorities.

8. Criterion 8: Application of market management technology

a. Control people entering and leaving the market, maintain safety density and distance as prescribed, using the following measures: QR codes, keycards, surveillance cameras to control the number of people entering and leaving the market; encourage online trade, phone based trade or electronic platform to minimize direct contact between traders and customers; organize internal logistics system, apply automatic technology to decrease labor forces at the market.

b. Safety measures are implemented in payment and delivery of goods. Cashless payment is recommended. In case of cash payment, there must be separate trays for giving and receiving cash; goods must be handed over using intermediate objects in order to avoid direct contact.

9. Criterion 9: Plan for Covid-19 prevention and control at the unit

There is a plan for Covid-19 prevention and control at the unit according to instructions of health authorities,  including the plan for handling suspected and confirmed COVID-19 cases; plan for closing, reopening after safety and prevention against Covid-19 are ensured.

The plan shall be revised according to reality and evaluation result.  Inform the local authority for inspection.

APPENDIX 4

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND PREVENTION AGAINST COVID-19 AT FACTORIES IN HO CHI MINH CITY.
(Promulgated together with Decision No. 3328/QD-BCD dated September 15, 2021 of Chief Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control of HCMC)

1. Criterion 1: Employees

Employees who participate in production shall:

a. He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date) or has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date).

b. As for a person who has not been vaccinated against COVID-19: he/she must obtain an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by rapid test or RT-PCR) as prescribed, he/she is given priority to work remotely or work at departments/divisions with limited contact and declare to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

2. Criterion 2: Testing

a. Employees who return to the workplace for the first time:  have an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by quick test or RT-PCR) according to regulations.

b. Regarding screening tests and regular tests, comply with guidance of health authorities.

3. Criterion 3: Safety distances at the workplace

The density of employees at workshops is at least 4 m2 per employee; the distance between 02 employees is at least 2 m. In particular cases where the requirement above cannot be met, an alternative measure shall be taken such as: putting up partitions between 2 employees, or employees wear face shields or other measures to ensure pandemic control.

4. Criterion 4: Inspection, supervision of implementation of anti-Covid measures at the factory

a. Staff is assigned to take body temperature, supervise employees wearing facemasks, washing hands, making health declaration at the entrance and in each production area; maintain the safety distance of 2 m and prevent employees and visitors from gathering.

b. Organize inspection and supervision of Covid-19 prevention and control at the unit using surveillance devices (such as surveillance cameras, QR code scanner, etc.) or assign staff to inspect, remind and instruct employees to comply with regulations on epidemic prevention and control.

c. There are measures to control employees at divisions (especially divisions that have direct contact with external people).

5. Criterion 5: Medical equipment and supply for Covid-19 prevention and control at the factory

a. Provide adequate medical facemasks for employees everyday; place sanitizer where there are frequently touched objects such as ATMs, water dispensers, vending machines, elevators, etc.; place trash cans with lids at convenient locations.

b. There is a contract with a state-owned or private medical unit or assign staff to monitor health of employees according to regulations and instructions of health authorities; formulate internal regulations and maintain frequent contact with local health authorities.

c. Prepare an area/room for temporary quarantine according to regulations and instructions of health authorities.

6. Criterion 6: Environmental hygiene

a. Sanitize the workplace and centralized lodging area at least 01 time/day, the restrooms at least 04 times/day; place sanitizer or soap at the workplace, entrances, exits, goods delivery and receipt areas, eating area, restrooms and centralized lodging area; sanitize clothes, face shields, etc. at the end of each shift (if any).

b. Ventilate the work place; increase natural ventilation in the factory with open doors/exhaust fans; avoid using air conditioners.

7. Criterion 7: Organization of meals for employees

a. Caterers shall have their health monitored, maintain hygiene, wear facemasks and gloves while working.

b. Practice distancing in the canteen:  arrange alternate break and eating times; provide individual portions; avoid gathering of crowd in the canteen within the same time frame; prevent employees from sitting opposite to each other and talking to each other; maintain a distance of 2m m between 2 employees while eating or install partitions between the seats.

c. Place sinks and sanitizer in the canteen.

d. Sanitize the eating area before and after eating time.

8. Criterion 8: Control of commute and accommodation of employees

a. Require employees to comply with regulations during their commute as guided by the transport authorities.

b. Make a list of accommodation of employees and keep it updated (rented rooms, dormitories, hotels, private houses, etc.).

c. There is information technology solution and computer software for management of employees’ commute and accommodation (if any).

9. Criterion 9: Plan for safe production against Covid-19

a. Depending on the scale, nature, and conditions of operation, the unit shall work on and roll out a production plan in conformity with COVID-19 pandemic safety protocols of these Criteria; inform the competent authority (via Covid safety portal https://antoan-covid.tphcm.gov.vn/) for inspection.

b. Prepare a plan COVID-19 prevention and control at the unit, including: establishment of the Steering Committee for COVID-19 Control, COVID-19 teams; plans for handling suspected and confirmed Covid-19 cases according to instructions of health authorities; organization of epidemic prevention and control at the workplace according to regulations and instructions of health authorities.

10. Criterion 10: Anti-Covid communications

a. Employees are trained in regulations on Covid-19 prevention and control (newest recommendations of the Ministry of Health, CDC of Ho Chi Minh City; hand washing instructions, 5K rules, how to wear facemasks properly, etc.).

b. Put up posters, hand out fliers about COVID-19 prevention and control in public areas (common working area, canteen, restroom area, ATMs, etc.) and on employee shuttles.

APPENDIX 5

CRITERIA FOR EVALUATION OF SAFETY AND PREVENTION AGAINST COVID-19 AT OFFICES IN HO CHI MINH CITY
(Promulgated together with Decision No. 3328/QD-BCD dated September 15, 2021 of Chief Steering Committee for Covid-19 Control of HCMC)

1. Criterion 1: Employees

Employees shall satisfy the following conditions:

a. Employees working at divisions that have direct contact with external people: (1) He/she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19; (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove that: (1) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2) he/she has been fully vaccinated against COVID-19;

b. Remaining divisions: (1) He/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (2) he/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months (with activated COVID Green QR code on “Y te HCM” (HCM Health application) or present one of the following documents to prove: (1) He/she has recovered from COVID-19 for the last 6 months; (2)  he/she has been vaccinated against COVID-19 (at least 1 dose for vaccines that require 2 doses and at least 14 days after vaccination date); (3) He/she has not been vaccinated against COVID-19 and has an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by rapid test or RT-PCR) as prescribed, he/she is given priority to work remotely or work at departments/divisions with limited contact and declare to follow COVID-19 safety protocols.

2. Criterion 2: Testing

a. Employees who return to the workplace for the first time:  have an unexpired negative SARS-CoV-2 test result (by quick test or RT-PCR) according to regulations.

b. Regarding screening tests and regular tests, comply with guidance of health authorities.

3. Criterion 3: Safety distances at the workplace

The distance between two seats in the working room, meeting room, guest room is at least 2 m or there are partitions between two seats; the temperature in the room is not lower than 25°C.

4. Criterion 4: Inspection, supervision of Covid-19 prevention and control at the workplace

a. Staff is assigned to take body temperature, supervise employees wearing facemasks, washing hands; maintain the safety distance of 2 m and prevent employees and visitors from gathering at the entrance of the office.

b. There is a plan for implementation of anti-Covid measures at the office and inspection thereof; results are recorded and analyzed to make necessary improvements (if any).

5. Criterion 5: Medical equipment and supply for Covid-19 prevention and control at the workplace

a. Medical equipment and supply for Covid-19 prevention and control are available at appropriate locations in the office:

- Equipment:  thermometers, sanitizer dispenser, QC scanner, Green Card scanner, etc. at entrances, exits of the office.

- Medical supplies:  sanitizer is available at: the office entrance, doors of working rooms, meeting rooms, guest rooms, medical rooms and restrooms; each table in the meeting rooms and guest rooms.

- There are other medical equipment and supplies for handling suspected cases according to instructions of health authorities.

b. The office that has at least 100 employees has a medical room and medicine cabinet to care for and temporarily isolate employees that are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 cases.

6. Criterion 6: Environmental hygiene at the workplace

a. There is at least 01 restroom for every 10 female employees or 15 male employees; at least 01 hand-washing sink for every 10 employees; adequate clean water and soap in the restrooms.

b. Clean, disinfect regularly: working rooms, meeting rooms and guest rooms: at least 1 time/week; restrooms, medical rooms: at least 1 time/day.

c. The areas are sanitized in accordance with regulations health authorities.

d. There are trash cans with lids for domestic wastes and medical wastes at convenient locations in the working rooms, meeting rooms, guest rooms, medical rooms and restrooms and public areas.

7. Criterion 7: Anti-Covid communications at the workplace

a. Disseminate information, remind employees to implement anti-Covid measures in appropriate manners.

b. Disclose contact information of the person in charge of Covid-19 prevention and control of the unit and contact information of the local health authorities in order to serve exchange of information, feedbacks and comments between the unit and the local authorities.

8. Criterion 8: Plan for Covid-19 prevention and control at the workplace

There is a plan for Covid-19 prevention and control at the unit according to instructions of health authorities,  Including the plan for handling suspected and confirmed Covid-19 cases; plan for screening, testing employees for SARS-CoV-2 as instructed by heath authorities.

The plan shall be revised according to reality and evaluation result.  Inform the local authority for inspection.