Information about the Outbreak of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) in Vietnam

On Jan 23rd, 2020, a woman was back Vietnam from Wuhan and she was the first confirmed case of Coronavirus(COVID-19) in Vietnam. Up to now  As of September 21, Vietnam had confirmed 1,074 cases of COVID-19 with 35 deaths, though 999 of the patients had recovered.

Must-know updates for travelers

• Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners from March 22 until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19. The measure will not apply to diplomats, officials, foreign investors, experts, and skilled workers as per Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
• The government on September 15 issued Notice No 330/TB-VPCP allowing Vietnamese carriers to resume international air routes with six countries – these are Guangzhou (China), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Taipei (Taiwan), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Vientiane (Laos). However, incoming travelers will need to present a negative RT-PCR test three days before departure and test again on arrival in Vietnam.
• The city of Da Nang lifted social distancing restrictions on September 4 and inter-provincial transport is allowed to resume from September 7. Hai Duong Province remains under social distancing orders until further notice.
• Foreigners and residents in Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Dong Nai, and Hanoi are required to wear masks in public may be fined from 100,000VND to 300,000VND for failure to comply.
• Festivals and religious events, sports events, large gatherings, and non-essential businesses such as karaoke bars, clubs, and massage parlors are suspended in a number of major Vietnamese destinations, including Hoi An, Khanh Hoa, Phu Yen, and Ninh Thuan.

• Health checks on arrival All travelers entering Vietnam need to submit mandatory health declarations on arrival. This form can be filled out electronically at airports and border crossings or submitted online here on the day of entry into Vietnam. Travelers are legally responsible to ensure the information is true and accurate. All foreigners will need to comply with official health procedures when in Vietnam.

  In an effort to stop the spread of the virus, Vietnam's Ministry of Health has ordered all Vietnamese and foreigners in the country to wear face masks in public places. Those found not wearing masks or not disposing of masks properly will be fined.

Current Coronavirus Status in Vietnam

Cases: 1074 (22-Sept-2020)

Policies from the government

Those planning to travel to Vietnam should be aware of the latest restrictions currently in place:

• Vietnam has suspended the entry of all foreigners from March 22 until further notice to limit the spread of COVID-19. The measure will not apply to diplomats, officials, foreign investors, experts, and skilled workers as per Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc.
• The government on September 15 issued Notice No 330/TB-VPCP allowing Vietnamese carriers to resume international air routes with six countries – these are Guangzhou (China), Tokyo (Japan), Seoul (South Korea), Taipei (Taiwan), Phnom Penh (Cambodia), and Vientiane (Laos). However, incoming travelers will need to present a negative RT-PCR test three days before departure and test again on arrival in Vietnam.
• Foreign employees will be allowed to quarantine at the company’s factory, the company headquarters, or at a designated hotel/facility. In addition, if they test negative twice, they could be released and self-quarantine at their residence or company headquarters in accordance with local health authorities. 
• While Vietnam Airlines began one-way flights to Japan on September 19, carriers will release specific schedules for air routes after an official confirmation from the authorities. 
• On August 31, the Ministry of Health lifted the mandatory 14-day quarantine for foreign experts, investors, managers, and diplomats on short business trips of less than 14 days. However, they must comply with all other health measures and must follow their scheduled itinerary. If after 14 days they wish to stay in Vietnam, they can do so without quarantining, provided they test negative for the virus.

Source: https://www.vietnam-briefing.com/news/covid-19-vietnam-travel-updates-restrictions.html/

What is Coronavirus?

Coronaviruses (CoV) are a large family of viruses that cause illness ranging from the common cold to more severe diseases such as Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (MERS-CoV) and Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS-CoV). A novel coronavirus (nCoV) is a new strain that has not been previously identified in humans. Its official name is COVID-19. 

Where is COVID-19 from?

Coronaviruses are common in many species of animals, such as camels, cattle, cats, and bats. On occasion, strains mutate and spread from animals to humans.

At the end of December, Chinese authorities identified the outbreak of a new form of coronaviruses- COVID-19. According to experts, COVID-19 first jumped to people in a seafood market that sold live animals in the central Chinese city of Wuhan.

How dangerous is it?

The fast spread of a new coronavirus in China has prompted global alarm, with neighboring states closing their borders, global airlines suspending flights, and some governments barring entry to foreign nationals who have recently been to the Asian country. 

The rapidly spreading virus, which is thought to have originated in the central city of Wuhan in late December and has since been detected in more than two dozen countries, has infected more than 44,600 people and killed at least 1,113 people in mainland China. One person in Hong Kong and another in the Philippines have also died from the virus, known as COVID-19.

What are Coronavirus’s symptoms?

For confirmed COVID-19 infections, reported illnesses have ranged from people with mild symptoms to people being severely ill and dying. Coronavirus Symptoms can include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Shortness of breath

How to prevent it?

There is no currently any vaccine to prevent COVID-19 infection. The best way to prevent infection is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory viruses, including:

• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
• Use facemask when to go out or meet sick people.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
• If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol.
• Well-cooked food is encouraged

Some useful sources about coronavirus.

You should follow 4 websites to update the exact and latest information: 

• Updates from WHO: https://www.who.int/ 
• Updates from the Vietnamese Government: http://chinhphu.vn/portal/page/portal/English
• Download app about COVID-19: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.vnptit.innovation.ncovi
• Updates from Vietnam Tourism: https://vietnam.travel/media-industry