Leaving quarantine areas to be considered criminal act

People who flee quarantine and cause losses of VND100m (USD4,300) and over will face criminal charges according to the Ministry of Public Security.

People who flee quarantine and cause losses of VND100m (USD4,300) and over will face criminal charges according to the Ministry of Public Security.

  

A quarantine area at Ham Rong Conference Centre, Thanh Hoa Province

According to the Ministry of Public Security, depending on the outbreak local authorities can quarantine or lock down a village, commune or province. Even people who haven't been tested positive but live in the area must follow the rules.

Anyone who flees or avoids the quarantine areas, fails to declare or lies about their medical conditions or history of travel and subsequently causes over VND100m in excessive expenses for disease prevention and control will be considered a criminal for violating safety regulations in crowded places in accordance with the Criminal Code.

The expenses for disease prevention and control include expenses to mobilise the military, police and health employees. Expenses for vehicles, medical equipment, meals, disinfectants and testing kits. There are costs incurred from finding the runaway people and contact tracing and further quarantine measures.

The local authorities and the head of quarantine areas are often assigned the task to review and make the list of expenses.

Agencies conducting legal proceedings will verify the expenses and investigate the case by collecting evidence showing the value of used goods and materials. The violators will then be prosecuted.