The Hanoi Department of Justice has made public a list of penalties for violating Covid-19 pandemic prevention regulations, with the highest penalty of up to VND200 million (US$ 8,743) and jail terms of up to 20 years or life imprisonment.

The list details 15 acts of violation and corresponding punishments ranging from administrative fine to criminal prosecution in accordance with the Criminal Code.

1. Not wearing a face mask in public places is punishable with the highest fine of up to VND3 million (US$131.16).

2. Selling used face masks will be subject to a fine of between VND5 million (US$212.31) and VND7 million US$297.23).

3. A person who conceals his or her own Covid-19 infection or others infected with Covid-19 will be fined VND20 million (US$874.38).

4. Those who sell food and drinks in public places, contravening the social distancing regulation, will be subject to a fine of VND20 million (US$874) for individuals and 40 million (US$1,748) for organizations.

A citizen is pulled over for not wearing a face mask in Hanoi. Photo: Kinhtedothi.vn

5. Those who deliberately make wrong or dishonest medical declarations that cause infection of Covid-19 to others will be handled in accordance with Article 240 of the Penal Code.

6. Those who evade medical examination and supervision before entering and leaving pandemic-hit regions will face a fine of VND30 million (US$ 1,311).

7. Those who flee quarantine places and not to comply with the isolation regulations will be fined VND20 million (US$874) or sanctioned in accordance with Article 240 of the Penal Code if infecting others (jail term of up to 12 years and a fine of up to US$4,246, banned from working for 1-5 years).

8. Those who flee quarantine places and fail to comply with the quarantine regulations that causes losses of VND100 million (US$4,246) or more in expenses for Covid-19 prevention and control will be handled in accordance with Article 295 of the Penal Code (jail sentences of up to 12 years and a fine of up to US$2,186, banned from working for 1-5 years).

9. Those who fails to make medical statements, gives incomplete or false statements causing transmission of Covid-19 disease to others will be penalized under the Article 240 of the Penal Code (jail term of up to 12 years and a fine of up to US$4,246, banned from working for 1-5 years).

10. Those who post fake news or misrepresent information on the Covid-19 pandemic situation will face a penalty of VND15 million (US$636.92) or sanctioned under Article 288 of the Penal Code (jail term of up to 7 years and a fine of up to US$8,743, banned from working for 1-5 years).

11. Those who obstruct the enforcement of regulations on prevention and control of the Covid-19 pandemic will be penalized under the Article 330 of the Penal Code (jail term of up to 7 years).

12. Owners of business establishments such as bars, dancing halls, karaoke parlors, massage services, beauty salons, among others, who violate the regulation on business restriction to prevent and control Covid-19, causing losses of VND100 million (US$4,246) or more in expenses for epidemic prevention and control, will be handled in accordance with Article 295 of the Penal Code (jail term of up to 12 years and a fine of up to US$2,186, banned from working for 1-5 years).

13. Those who take advantage of shortages, causing artificial scarcity during the Covid-19 pandemic, or hoarding goods subject to price stabilization schemes for unfair gains will be held liable for speculative offenses in accordance with Article 196 of the Penal Code (jail term of up to 15 years and a fine of up to US$4,246, banned from working for 1-5 years).

14. Those who take advantage of the Covid-19 pandemic to give untruthful information about the effects of drugs or medical supplies to secure unlawful gain will be handled in accordance with Article 174 of the Penal Code (maximum jail term of up to 20 years or life imprisonment and a fine of up to US$2,186, banned from working for 1-5 years, part or all of their property seized).

15. Those who have the responsibility for the Covid-19 prevention and control but fail to comply with it, resulting in serious consequences will be handled in accordance with in Article 360 ​​of the Penal Code (maximum jail term of up to 12 years and banned from working for 1-5 years).