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According to local media reports, the Vietnamese government has ordered companies in the manufacturing sector across the commercial hub - Ho Chi Minh city to shut down starting 15 July 2021 would the company fail to follow the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) in curbing factory outbreak. 

Authorities said that only companies that can ensure one of the following criteria would be allowed to operate: 

• Safe and hygienic environment for workers, who sleepover in the factories throughout the lockdown.
• For companies that arrange outside accommodations for workers, its responsibility is to carry out the “1 way, 2 destinations” directive to transport workers from the manufacturing site to the accommodation site.

Besides, companies need to perform antigen tests on all workers at the site once every seven days.

It is reported that within the Long An Industrial Park alone, about 300 companies have registered to the “worker sleepover” scheme, though relevant authorities are still inspecting the sites before issuing approval for operation resumption. All of these companies have to reduce the number of workers by 50-60% to avoid overcrowded. 

Apparently, many companies with limited floor space for workers to set up makeshift tents, or financial capability to carry out COVID-19 test weekly might opt to shut down to protect the bottom line. Market sources expect the current lockdown to stretch to at least one month, although no confirmation from the authorities at the time of this report. 

**Image of a makeshift tent from a company in Long An Industrial Park, retrieved from a local news channel www.tuoitre.vn 

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Vietnam