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

The list, detailing 16 acts of violation and corresponding punishments ranging from administrative fines to criminal prosecution in accordance with the Criminal Code, is applied for those who:

1. Not wear a face mask in public places and not keep a two-meter distance between each other, and go out unless being necessary are punishable with the highest fine of up to VND3 million ($131.16).

2. Not litter used masks at right places in public areas shall be fined up to VND1 million ($43.5). If they discard used masks on streets or sidewalks, the fine shall be increased to VND2 million ($87).

3. Conceal his/her own Covid-19 infection or others infected with Covid-19 will be fined VND20 million ($874.38).

4. Fail to implement decisions on medical inspection and coronavirus testing before entering/exiting pandemic-hit areas will be subject to a maximum fine of VND3 million ($131.16).

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

Some citizens are pulled over for not wearing a face mask in Ba Dinh District, Hanoi. Photo: The Hanoi Times

6. Fail to implement decisions on the restriction of mass gatherings or decisions on temporary suspension of business/service activities in public places will be fined up to VND20 million ($874) for individuals and 40 million ($1,748) for organizations.

7. Evade medical examination and supervision before entering and leaving pandemic-hit regions will face a fine of VND30 million ($1,311).

8. Flee quarantine places and do not comply with the isolation regulations will be fined VND20 million ($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 VND100 million ($4,246), banned from working for 1-5 years).

9. Flee quarantine places and fail to comply with the quarantine regulations that causes losses of $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 VND50 million ($2,186), banned from working for 1-5 years).

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

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

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

13. Owners of business establishments, including bars, dancing halls, karaoke parlors, massage services, beauty salons, violate the regulation on business restriction to prevent and control Covid-19, causing losses of $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 $2,186, banned from working for 1-5 years).

14. 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 $4,246, banned from working for 1-5 years).

15. 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 $2,186, banned from working for 1-5 years, part or all of their property seized).

16. 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 Article 360 ​​of the Penal Code (maximum jail term of up to 12 years and banned from working for 1-5 years).