Viet Nam 16.04. 2020 VIETNAM Corona Pandemic Was Confirmed To

Viet Nam 16.04. VIETNAM 2020 Corona Pandemic was confirmed to have spread to Vietnam on 23 January 2020. As of 16 April 2020, there were 268 confirmed cases, with 171 recoveries and 0 deaths. Rate of testing is 1397 per one million as on 16th April, 2020. The country's response to the outbreak has received acclaim for its effectiveness and transparency and is compared to how South Korea has responded, despite being less economically developed country. Chronological study of cases and measures taken by VIETNAM may be seen as under:-

Preventive Measures taken by the Government before the first case reported:-

 Vietnam has prepared for the epidemic as early as the very first case in China emerged, around mid-December 2019. Vietnam's Deputy Prime Minister Vũ Đức Đam stated that the public service, military forces and Ministry of Health have worked out various plans in case there was an outbreak.

 The Vietnamese response has been praised by several figures, comparing it to the fast response back in 2003 when Vietnam became the first country to be cleared of the SARS outbreak. The United States Ambassador to Vietnam, Daniel Kritenbrink, had praised Vietnam for its fast measures against the outbreak. The US delegation also praised Vietnam for its quarantine efforts, and have cooperated with the Vietnamese Embassy in the United States.

 Vietnam's National Institute of Occupational and Environmental Health commissioned artists to release the song "Ghen Cô Vy" ("Jealous Coronavirus") which recommended correct handwashing technique. It went viral amidst the coronavirus outbreak and earned lots of praise from the public. UNICEF recommended the video as a means of fighting back the fear of coronavirus.

 A number of Vietnamese hotels and guesthouses hung signs on their doors saying that Chinese guests are not welcome, while many Vietnamese went online to demand the closure of all border crossings with China.

Chronological measures taken after the first case reporting:- Date Cases and Measures taken 23.01.2020 Vietnam confirmed the first two cases of COVID-19, a Chinese man travelling from Wuhan to Hanoi and his son, who contracted this disease from his father. They were hospitalized on 22 January at Chợ Rẫy Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City. On 29 January, the son fully recovered and was discharged. His father was discharged on 12 February. 24.01.2020 Acting Minister of Health Vũ Đức Đam ordered the activation of the Emergency Epidemic Prevention Centre.

The rising number of patients caused serious concerns. Vietnam's Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc ordered measures to prevent and counter the spread of the disease into Vietnam, as well as to warn Vietnamese citizens to avoid visiting areas with outbreaks.

Deputy minister Đỗ Xuân Tuyên said that Vietnam is considering closing the border with China as a necessary countermeasure. Saigon Tourist announced that it cancelled all tours to or with transit in Wuhan.

The Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam ordered the cancellation of all flights from and to Wuhan. 01.02.2020 A 25-year-old woman was declared coronavirus-positive in Khánh Hòa Province. She has worked as a receptionist and had direct contact with the Chinese father and son. This case was discharged from the hospital on 4 February. Noticeably, this case was the first domestic transmission in Vietnam, leading to an epidemic declaration signed by the Vietnamese Prime Minister and calls for border tightening, aviation permits revoked, and visa restriction. February, Vietnamese Ministry of Education and Training suspended all 2020 school activities across the country until the end of March as part of quarantine measures against the spreading of the virus, and later extended this till the middle of April until further notice.

Aggressive measures were also taken to combat possible outbreaks, from 14 days quarantine to restriction of outdoor activities. The Vietnam People's Armed Forces also takes part on patrolling and controlling measures. 07.02.2020 Vietnam confirmed their 13th case, a 29-year-old worker, who is a member of the same training crew with 5 previously confirmed cases. Earlier of the same day, Vietnam declared to have successfully cultured and isolated the virus in the lab. This is one of the few countries able to do this, aside from Singapore, Australia, Japan and China. 25.02.2020 The 16th patient was released from the hospital after being tested negative from the COVID-19, temporarily made Vietnam cleared from COVID-19 outbreak. However, quarantine measures continue to be imposed until further notice. 06.03.2020 Hanoi urgently announced a new case of coronavirus, the first one found in the capital of Vietnam. The patient, a 26-year-old woman, had been traveling across Europe during the outbreak. She had been exhibiting several symptoms, but didn't notify the authorities about her travel history or health conditions. The government has isolated roughly 200 people who had close contact, live on the same street, or were on the same flight as the patient. The incident also sparked a wave of stockpiling purchases across the city. 16.03.2020 A new case was reported in Vietnam, known as the 61st patient. The patient, a Muslim from the Cham minority, had participated in the Tablighi Jamaat in Sri Petaling mosque, Malaysia, where he got infected before returning to Vietnam and attended the Jamiul Muslimin Mosque in Ho Chi Minh City before returning home in Ninh Thuận. Due to the wide range of people he contacted, it raised the fear of the patient being a super spread patient. Eventually, the Vietnamese authorities decided to isolate and quarantine the whole province, as well as shut the mosque. 31.03.2020 South Korean nationals are also reportedly screened due to the rampant outbreak of COVID-19 in South Korea, which has extensive trade relationship with Vietnam.

Vietnamese government ordered a nationwide isolation of 15 days from 1 April to 15 April. Stockpiling Stores across Vietnam quickly sold out of surgical masks and hand sanitizers after the initial cases of coronavirus were reported. Interim Health Minister Vũ Đức Đam urged the public to remain calm during the outbreak and avoid excessive emergency shopping. Vietnamese authorities also arrested people profiteering from the outbreak. Sports The outbreak also forced the 2020 V. League 1 to be delayed until further announcement, which affected the preparation of Vietnam national football team for the upcoming 2022 World Cup qualification. It also caused the Vietnamese Grand Prix of the 2020 Formula One World Championship to be postponed until further notice. 16.04.2020 268 confirmed cases, with 171 recoveries and 0 deaths. Rate of testing is 1397 per one million.

07.04. A success story of containment of COVID-19 with limited resources 2020  To date, Viet Nam has had no fatalities as a result of the pandemic and infected cases have been limited to 245.  Vietnam's anti-coronavirus measures include mandatory 14-day quarantines for anyone arriving in Vietnam.  The government acted swiftly to suspend flights, shut schools and quarantine new arrivals.

That’s the challenge facing many of the world’s poorer, developing nations - including countries like Viet Nam. But while it might look like a foregone conclusion that the coronavirus outbreak would ravage such a country, Viet Nam has instead stood out as a beacon of how to do more with less. So far, the country has 194 confirmed COVID-19 coronavirus cases, and no fatalities. Unlike other, wealthier Asian countries, Viet Nam isn’t in a position to conduct mass testing programmes (like South Korea, for example, has tested 338,000 people). In Viet Nam, that number stands at just 15,637 people (figures for 20 March 2020). But by focusing on measures that are within its control, the country has won praise from the international community. Actions taken so far Vietnam has prepared for the epidemic as early as the very first case in China emerged, around mid-December 2019. Vietnam's Government Office, Army forces and Minister of Health have worked out various plans in case the number of affected cases burst out. On 1 February, Viet Nam kicked off a series of initiatives to tackle the spread of COVID-19. It suspended all flights to and from China. It also decided to keep schools closed after the lunar New Year break. Two weeks later, a 21-day quarantine was imposed in Vinh Phuc province, north of Hanoi. That decision was sparked by concerns over the health status of migrant workers returning from Wuhan, China, where the virus originated. Its anti-coronavirus measures have gone on to include mandatory 14-day quarantines for anyone arriving in Viet Nam and the cancellation of all foreign flights. It has also isolated infected people and then set about tracking down anyone they might have come into contact with. “Neighbours know if you Recent Achievements come from a foreign Viet Nam's proactive efforts come after two country,” said Truong Huu decades in which the country has experienced a Khanh, head of the large improvement in quality of life. Between 2002 department of infectious and 2018 an economic transformation helped to diseases at Ho Chi Minh lift more than 45 million Vietnamese out of City Children’s hospital. “If poverty. Gross domestic product (GDP) per capita an infected person is in the has more than doubled to over $2500 in 2018 area, they will report this.” when the country saw real GDP growth of 7.1%. The Vietnamese The health of the nation has improved too – life government requested that expectancy rose from 71 years in 1990 to 76 years everyone wear face masks in 2015. when going to public areas The country’s healthcare system is improving too to protect themselves and but still has a lot of ground to cover. There are others (16 March 2020). around eight doctors to every 10000 people in Viet Vietnamese government Nam. Italy and Spain both have 41 doctors per ordered a nationwide 10000 people the US has 26 and China 18. isolation of 15 days from 1 April to 15 April (31 March 2020). Neighbourhood watch As a single-party state, with large and well-organized military and security services, Viet Nam has been able to make decisions quickly and enact them promptly. There is also a strong culture of surveillance, with people expected to inform on their neighbours if they suspect any wrong-doing. Anyone found sharing fake news and misinformation about the coronavirus risks a visit from the police, and around 800 people have been fined so far. the Vietnam People's Armed Forces also takes part on patrolling and controlling measures. It’s not the kind of approach that is likely to work in more open societies. But with limited clinical resources at its disposal, Viet Nam has seemingly managed to get the outbreak under control. Social Protection Measures and Jobs Responses to COVID-19:A Real-Time Review of Country Measures based on “Living paper” version 3 (April 3, 2020) by Ugo Gentilini (World Bank), Mohamed Almenfi (World Bank) and Ian Orton (ILO) is given in the following table:

Social Protection Measures and Jobs Responses

Count Social protection category Core COVID19 Descriptive ry measure summary Vietn Social assistance Utility and Governmen am financial t has obligations announced support an income (waiver/postpone support ment) package of VND30,000 billion

(US$1.2 billion) on March 31, 2020. The proposal will provide support to the poor, near-poor households, social assistant beneficiarie s, merit people. The package will also support employees who are not qualified for unemploym ent insurance benefit, including those from informal sector such as small and household businesses, part-time workers and those on unpaid leave or have reduced income as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic’s impacts on the country.

Each poor household will get a monthly allowance of VND1 million ($43), near- poor household get VND 500,000 per month, while social protection beneficiarie s and those with meritorious services would receive VND500,00 0 per month. Employees, small/house hold businesses that have had to suspend operation and suffer difficulties due to Covid-19 would also be supported with VND1 million per month. The allowances would be provided over at least three months (until June), and would be taken from the central government and local administrati ons' budgets, with the total estimated at VND28-30 trillion ($1.2- 1.3 billion).

In several large and heavily affected cities like Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, local government cover all expensive related to living, testing and medical treatment for all Vietnamese citizens who were institutionall y quarantined .

Social Social Tempora Social security Temporary insura security ry contributions suspension nce contribution suspensi (waiver/subsidy) of social s on of insurance (waiver/sub social contribution sidy) insuranc s for e COVID-19 contributi affected ons for firms and COVID- entities for a 19 maximum of affected 12 months. firms and This will be entities applied for for a those firms maximu and entities m of 12 that have at months. least 50% of This will labor force be being on applied temporarily for those leave as a firms and result of the entities pandemic. that have Affected at least business 50% of are also labor suspended force from being on making temporari contribution ly leave to Labor as a Union fund. result of the pandemi c. Affected business are also suspend ed from making contributi on to Labor Union fund.

Viet Nam

A success story of containment of COVID-19 with limited resources

 To date, Viet Nam has had no fatalities as a result of the pandemic and infected cases have been limited to 245.  Vietnam's anti-coronavirus measures include mandatory 14-day quarantines for anyone arriving in Vietnam.  The government acted swiftly to suspend flights, shut schools and quarantine new arrivals.

Vietnam has prepared Recent Achievements for the epidemic as early as the very first Viet Nam's proactive efforts come after two case in China emerged, decades in which the country has experienced around mid-December a large improvement in quality of life. 2019. Vietnam's Between 2002 and 2018 an economic Government Office, transformation helped to lift more than 45 Army forces and million Vietnamese out of poverty. Gross Minister of Health domestic product (GDP) per capita has more have worked out than doubled to over $2500 in 2018 when the various plans in case country saw real GDP growth of 7.1%. The the number of affected health of the nation has improved too – life cases burst out. expectancy rose from 71 years in 1990 to 76 years in 2015. On 1 February, Viet Nam kicked off a series The country’s healthcare system is improving of initiatives to tackle too but still has a lot of ground to cover. There the spread of COVID- are around eight doctors to every 10000 19. It suspended all people in Viet Nam. Italy and Spain both have flights to and from 41 doctors per 10000 people the US has 26 China. It also decided and China 18. to keep schools closed after the lunar New Year break. Two weeks later, a 21-day quarantine was imposed in Vinh Phuc province, north of Hanoi. That decision was sparked by concerns over the health status of migrant workers returning from Wuhan, China, where the virus originated. Its anti-coronavirus measures have gone on to include mandatory 14-day quarantines for anyone arriving in Viet Nam and the cancellation of all foreign flights. It has also isolated infected people and then set about tracking down anyone they might have come into contact with. “Neighbours know if you come from a foreign country,” said Truong Huu Khanh, head of the department of infectious diseases at Ho Chi Minh City Children’s hospital. “If an infected person is in the area, they will report this.” The Vietnamese government requested that everyone wear face masks when going to public areas to protect themselves and others (16 March 2020). Vietnamese government ordered a nationwide isolation of 15 days from 1 April to 15 April (31 March 2020).

Neighbourhood watch

As a single-party state, with large and well-organized military and security services, Viet Nam has been able to make decisions quickly and enact them promptly. There is also a strong culture of surveillance, with people expected to inform on their neighbours if they suspect any wrong- doing. Anyone found sharing fake news and misinformation about the coronavirus risks a visit from the police, and around 800 people have been fined so far. the Vietnam People's Armed Forces also takes part on patrolling and controlling measures. It’s not the kind of approach that is likely to work in more open societies. But with limited clinical resources at its disposal, Viet Nam has seemingly managed to get the outbreak under control. Social Protection Measures and Jobs Responses to COVID-19:A Real-Time Review of Country Measures based on “Living paper” version 3 (April 3, 2020) by Ugo Gentilini (World Bank), Mohamed Almenfi (World Bank) and Ian Orton (ILO) is given in the following table:

Social Protection Measures and Jobs Responses

Coun Social protection category Core COVID19 Descriptiv try measure e summary Vietn Social assistance Utility and Governme am financial nt has obligations announce support d an (waiver/postpo income nement) support package of VND30,00 0 billion (US$1.2 billion) on March 31, 2020. The proposal will provide support to the poor, near-poor household s, social assistant beneficiari es, merit people. The package will also support employee s who are not qualified for unemploy ment insurance benefit, including those from informal sector such as small and household businesses , part-time workers and those on unpaid leave or have reduced income as a result of the Covid- 19 pandemic’ s impacts on the country. Each poor household will get a monthly allowance of VND1 million ($43), near-poor household get VND 500,000 per month, while social protection beneficiari es and those with meritoriou s services would receive VND500,0 00 per month. Employees , small/hou sehold businesses that have had to suspend operation and suffer difficulties due to Covid-19 would also be supported with VND1 million per month. The allowance s would be provided over at least three months (until June), and would be taken from the central governme nt and local administra tions' budgets, with the total estimated at VND28- 30 trillion ($1.2- 1.3 billion).

In several large and heavily affected cities like Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City, local governme nt cover all expensive related to living, testing and medical treatment for all Vietnames e citizens who were institution ally quarantin ed.

Social Social Tempor Social security Temporar insura security ary contributions y nce contributi suspensi (waiver/subsid suspensio ons on of y) n of social (waiver/su social insurance bsidy) insuranc contributi e ons for contribu COVID-19 tions for affected COVID- firms and 19 entities for affected a firms maximum and of 12 entities months. for a This will be maximu applied for m of 12 those months. firms and This will entities be that have applied at least for 50% of those labor force firms being on and temporaril entities y leave as that a result of have at the least pandemic. 50% of Affected labor business force are also being on suspended tempora from rily making leave as contributi a result on to of the Labor pandem Union ic. fund. Affected business are also suspend ed from making contribu tion to Labor Union fund.

Current Situation: As of April 7, Vietnam’s Ministry of Health confirmed a total of 245 cases of COVID-19. However, 95 of the affected patients have recovered and discharged from hospitals.

Table 1. Countries, territories or areas with reported laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases and deaths. Data as of 5 April 2020* Reporting Total Total Total Total new Transmission Days since Country/ confirmed confirmed deaths deaths classification last Territory/Area cases new reported cases case Viet Nam 240 1 0 0 Local 0 transmission Source: WHO Situation Report, April 6, 2020

References:

1. Sean Fleming, Senior Writer, Formative Content, World Economic Forum, Viet Nam shows how you can contain COVID-19 with limited resources (30 Mar 2020).

2. Ugo Gentilini (World Bank), Mohamed Almenfi (World Bank) and Ian Orton (ILO); Social Protection Measures and Jobs Responses to COVID-19:A Real-Time Review of Country Measures based on “Living paper” version 3 (April 3, 2020).

3. WHO, Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) Situation Report – 76, April 6, 2020