The Hanoi Department of Justice has just announced penalties for violations of regulations on novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) prevention, with fines of up to VND20 million (US$850).

Local authorities previously stated that they would start fining those leaving their house without a justifiable reason on Saturday, as the Vietnamese capital is in a critical stage to stall the transmission of COVID-19.

The municipal Department of Justice on the same day announced the specific punishments for offenses related to the city’s COVID-19 prevention rules.

Accordingly, people who fail to wear a face mask in public will be fined VND300,000 ($12.7).

Those who throw away used face masks in public places or onto local streets and sidewalks will be slapped with a VND5-7 million ($212-297) fine.

People infected with COVID-19 who keep their health status a secret will be charged VND2 million ($85).

Failing to comply with decisions on temporary suspension of businesses at high risk of COVID-19 transmission is punishable by a fine worth VND10 million ($424) per person and VND20 million ($850) per organization.

Disobeying a ban on mass gatherings in public places is punishable by a fine worth VND10 million ($424) per person and VND20 million ($850) per organization.

People entering and exiting COVID-19-hit areas who refuse to undergo health monitoring will be fined up to VND20 million.

Those who dodge quarantine or escape from a quarantine camp will be fined VND10 million or criminally charged if they transmits the disease to others.

Citing incorrect information in one’s health declaration form is also considered a criminal offense.

Spreading fake news on COVID-19 is punishable by fines worth up to VND15 million ($636) or criminal charges.

Obstructing people in charge of COVID-19 prevention is a criminal offense.

People who hoard essential products to gain profits during the epidemic will be criminally charged.

The novel coronavirus, which first emerged in the central Chinese city of Wuhan in December 2019, has infected nearly 1.2 million people and killed more than 64,600 globally as of Sunday morning, according to Ministry of Health statistics.

Vietnam has announced 240 COVID-19 patients so far, with 90 having recovered.

No fatality related to the disease has been reported in the country to date.

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