Many visitors to the pedestrian streets in Hà Nội do not wear face masks properly. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Those who violate COVID-19 prevention rules could face up to 12 years behind bars, according to a new regulation issued by the Hà Nội’s authorities.

Fines of up to VNĐ100 million (US$4,350) or imprisonment of up to 12 years will be given to those who fail to make health declarations, make fake declarations or do not fully declare their health status, according to a new regulation issued by the municipal Department of Justice.

The highest level of penalty reaches VNĐ200 million ($8,700). Violators could also face criminal charges of up to 20 years of imprisonment or a life sentence if they commit serious crimes like fraud related to the pandemic.

People in Hà Nội not wearing face masks in public areas and on public transport or not keeping their distance from others to prevent COVID-19 infection face fines of up to VNĐ3 million ($130).

Those who improperly dispose of face masks can be fined VNĐ5 million ($217) to VNĐ7 million ($304).

Those who are infected with COVID-19 or know others infected with COVID-19 and conceal or fail to report their health status can be fined up to VNĐ20 million.

Service providers in COVID-19 hotspots who do not close their services following suspension orders will face fines of VNĐ20 million maximum for individuals and VND40 million maximum for a business or organisation.

Those who do not follow large gathering ban will be fined VNĐ20 million maximum for individuals and VNĐ40 million maximum for a business or organisation.

People who fail to comply with orders on inspection, supervision and medical treatment before entering and leaving areas of COVID-19 outbreaks will be fined up to VNĐ30 million.

Those who escape from the quarantine sites and fail to comply with quarantine regulations may be subject to a fine of up to VNĐ20 million or be handled according to Article 240 of the Criminal Code if they spread the virus to others.

The imprisonment may last 12 years maximum with a fine of up to VNĐ100 million while being banned from doing certain jobs from one to five years.

Anyone who uploads inaccurate information and fake news online about the pandemic may be fined up to VNĐ200 million or handled according to Article 288 Criminal Code with a maximum imprisonment of up to seven years.

People who take advantage of the pandemic to give inaccurate information about the use of drugs and medical supplies to appropriate other people's property shall be prosecuted for fraud in accordance with Article 174 of the Criminal Code with the maximum penalty life imprisonment. — VNS