The move is a precautionary measure to prevent the spreading of COVID-19.

The island, which is far from mainland Vietnam, has limited health personnel and facilities.  

Bà Rịa-Vũng Tàu people’s committee advised islanders to avoid non-essential travel in and out of Con Dao while local authorities have requested residents who want to travel off the island must fill in health declaration forms.

People who fail to comply with the rules will be strictly punished. The province has also arranged for hotels to become concentrated quarantine areas when necessary.

Earlier, some domestic and foreign tourists visiting Con Dao had close contact with people infected with COVID-19 and had to be isolated on the island from the beginning of this month.

The island welcomes about 3,000 domestic and foreign visitors every day.

As of Tuesday night 1,596 people have been classified as suspected cases of the new coronavirus disease in Vietnam. Of them, 221 were put on the list Tuesday, according to the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (PHEOC).

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc last Wednesday had ordered the suspension of all flights to Vietnam amidst restricted entry into the country by air, road and sea.

Starting last Sunday, Vietnam had suspended entry for all foreign nationals, including those of Vietnamese origin and family members with visa waivers.

The nation had also demanded all people entering the nation from abroad to be put in quarantine for two weeks.

VNS