Northern Vietnam could soon see changes during periods of peak air pollution. A proposed high-level red alert plan could involve issuing work-from-home orders for government staff, online learning for students, and curbs on private motorbike use.
Here's what to know
Under the proposal, an air quality index of 301 or above would trigger the shifts in eight northern cities and provinces, including Hanoi, the capital. As long as the alert remained in effect, in-person schooling would switch to online classes, and government employees could be directed to work remotely, The Straits Times reported.
State media announced that the proposal was put forward by Vietnam's Ministry of Agriculture and Environment.
The plan would also allow for restrictions on personal motorbikes and could waive public transit fares during the most hazardous smog events — steps that could help to mitigate air pollution by reducing traffic. It also calls for protective equipment for outdoor workers and others who need it.
The proposal comes as air quality is set to worsen in Hanoi and other parts of Vietnam this winter.
More background
Hanoi frequently lands among the world's most polluted cities in winter, when "temperature inversions and stagnant air … trap emissions close to the ground," according to IQAir.
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Driven by traffic, industry, construction, and agricultural burning, higher concentrations of particulate matter in the air can reduce visibility, increase health risks, and keep people indoors for long periods.
The region's air quality worsened in 2026 because of wildfires in Indonesia, The Straits Times reported. Smoke from those fires spread across Southeast Asia, reaching countries such as Malaysia, Singapore, and the Philippines.
What else is being done?
Hanoi is also pursuing violations tied to heavy dust. According to The Straits Times, city authorities have asked residents to send in photos or videos of vehicles that spill soil or stir up large amounts of dust, giving officials another way to identify offenders.
The news outlet said the city has taken similar steps before. In 2025, Hanoi officials told people with respiratory conditions to stay indoors during severe pollution episodes and introduced urgent measures, including remote monitoring systems.
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