Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City will provide mandatory COVID-19 testing for app-based delivery workers free of charge for one week before deciding on the most suitable approach.

App-based delivery workers across the city will not have to pay for their compulsory COVID-19 tests for one week starting Monday, according to a decision from the city’s leaders.

The testing will be conducted at 414 mobile medical stations operated by military medics in 21 districts and Thu Duc City, the municipal Department of Industry and Trade stated.

After the first week, the municipal authorities will determine the most suitable testing plan for local delivery staff.

The Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee on Sunday announced that app-based delivery workers would be allowed to resume operation in high-risk areas, including Thu Duc City, District 8, District 12, Go Vap District, Binh Tan District, Binh Thanh District, Binh Chanh District, and Hoc Mon District, from Monday.

The service had been suspended in these areas from August 23, when city authorities began implementing a shelter-in-place mandate.

In order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, delivery workers in high-risk districts are required to undergo testing at 5:00-6:30 am every day.

The method will be rapid pool testing with three samples.

These deliverers must receive at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and be registered at the city’s industry department.

In other districts where the risk of COVID-19 transmission is lower, delivery staff are required to be tested once every two days.

All delivery workers in the city must not travel among districts.

Following Sunday’s announcement, many app-based delivery workers expressed their concern over the cost of testing, stating that it would greatly affect their earnings.

Ho Chi Minh City is currently the largest epicenter in the country, with nearly 210,000 local infections logged since the fourth wave began on April 27.

The municipal authorities have enforced a social distancing drive at various levels since May 31 and asked people to stay where they are from August 23 to September 6, with the participation of police and soldiers.

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