Vietnam PM asks major cities to prepare for lockdown to stop virus
HANOI, March 30 — Vietnam's prime minister today asked major cities to prepare for possible lockdowns to stop the spread of coronavirus as the number of confirmed cases in the South-east Asian country reached nearly 200.
“Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have to review and update plans to battle the virus, and have to stand ready for city lockdown scenarios,” Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said in a statement.
“Vietnam has entered the pandemic's peak period, major cities have to speed up and take advantage of each hour and minute to carry out defined measures,” Phuc said.
The Vietnamese government has ordered a halt on inbound flights, cut domestic flights, stopped public gatherings and temporarily shut down non-essential services until April 15 at the earliest.
It has also launched an aggressive quarantine and contact-tracing programme to curb the spread of the virus after an influx of infections brought in by Vietnamese citizens escaping outbreaks elsewhere and by foreign visitors.
Vietnam has confirmed 194 infections but has had no reported deaths, according to the health ministry. More than 75,000 people are in quarantine. The country aims to keep the number of infections under 1,000. — Reuters
Vietnam extends suspension for foreigners entering country
Vietnam said it will temporarily suspend entry to all foreigners who already have travel visas to the country, except for those visiting the country for diplomatic or official purposes, amid the coronavirus outbreak.
Foreigners who are deemed experts, business managers or highly skilled workers will still be allowed to enter the country but must have certificates indicating they have tested negative for the virus, must fill out health declarations and will be ordered into quarantine upon arrival, the government said in a statement on Sunday (March 22).
The entry suspension will also apply to foreign nationals who are ethnic Vietnamese, and who normally can travel to Vietnam visa-free, according to the posting.
Vietnam on last Wednesday suspended issuing visas for travellers from all countries for 30 days, except for those entering the country for diplomatic or business purposes.
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is ordering additional quarantine buildings to house 20,000 people in Hanoi, according to a separate statement. He also ordered limiting international flights, without elaborating.
~The Straits Times~
Vietnam to Check Visitors from Laos for Coronavirus Vietnam has announced that the country will carry out mandatory health checks on people entering Vietnam from Cambodia and Laos. Those who cross the border from Cambodia and Laos must undergo health checks at the border if they wish to enter Vietnam, said Vietnam’s Foreign Affairs Ministry Deputy Spokesman Doan Khac Viet. The rule also applies to those who have traveled to China, through China, and areas where there’s been a coronavirus outbreak for around 14 days. As of February 20, Vietnam had 16 confirmed cases of Coronavirus infection, of whom 14 have recovered and been discharged from hospitals. Meanwhile, Laos has not seen any confirmed cases so far. Lao authorities have warned people not to travel to virus outbreak areas and have installed thermal scanners at border crossings with China and at other strategic locations to stop the virus from entering the country. In addition, the government has also urged people to be on their guard and take precautions. ~The Laotian Times~
Vietnam airlines resume flights to Taiwan, HK and Macau after govt. lifts bans
Vietnam Airlines and Vietjet Air will resume flights to Hong Kong, Taiwan and Macau from Sunday, the companies said, after the Hanoi government eased restrictions over virus concerns.
Vietnam on Saturday declared a public health emergency over the coronavirus epidemic and said it would halt all flights to and from China including Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan. Late on Saturday, Vietnam's civil aviation authority lifted ban on flights to Taiwan and on Sunday it said carriers could also temporarily operate flights to Hong Kong and Macau. Flights to mainland China were still strictly suspended.
"Flights to Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau will be resumed from today. However flights from Hanoi to Hong Kong and Macau will be suspended starting from Feb. 5," national firm Vietnam Airlines said in its Sunday's statement.
Budget carrier Vietjet Air said it had suspended all flights to and from mainland China from Feb. 1 but was operating flights to Taiwan and Hong Kong.
Vietnam has confirmed seven cases of the virus. The government also advised its citizen to limit large gatherings. ~The Star~