HCMC delivery drivers puzzled at being fined for going out at night

AhaMove workers said their company had claimed they were allowed to go out on the streets after 6 p.m. if they were delivering essential goods and carried the necessary documents.

After being fined by authorities, they contacted the company but did not receive a satisfactory explanation, they said.

"I phoned the call center (of AhaMove) and also searched for relevant information, but I still do not know if we can work after 6 p.m.," a shipper named Tai in HCMC’s District 12 said.

An AhaMove spokesperson said: "We are surprised at delivery workers being fined. We have asked the HCMC Department of Transport if shippers are allowed to work after 6 p.m. and are still waiting for an official reply."

While waiting, the company has told its employees to stop working at 6 p.m.

Other tech-based transport firms such as Grab, Gojek and Now are operating only between 6 a.m. and 5 p.m.

On Tuesday, other delivery people said they were reprimanded by authorities and ordered to go back since they did not meet the new travel requirements.

To operate on the streets they need to wear employee badges with a photo and QR code-based identifying technology and an armband with the word ‘Shipper’ in white.

But drivers it is very difficult for them to do so since all shops offering printing services are closed.

Now has told its motorbike drivers to come to assigned areas to get the badges.

But many drivers complained saying there are too few areas, meaning too many people are gathering there and not meeting the safe distance requirements.

AhaMove has sent its list of drivers to the city Department of Industry and Trade. They are required to wear the company’s uniform and carry QR code-based travel documents.

Authorities have stipulated that delivery persons shipping essential goods can each operate in only one district.

HCMC has banned people from going out between 6 p.m. and 6 a.m. the next day starting from July 26 to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Vietnam has recorded local Covid-19 cases in 62 of its 63 cities and provinces since the new wave started over three months ago.

HCMC accounted for most cases, 78,904, followed by Binh Duong with 9,946.