UPDATED: February 25, 2020

Since the start of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, Vietnam has closely monitored the situation and installed a series of proactive, comprehensive measures to combat the spread of the virus within the country and prepare its public health services. Past experience with other epidemics places Vietnam in a strong position to protect its population as well as visitors passing through.

Travellers in Vietnam or those planning holidays in early 2020 may have questions about the spread of the virus in Vietnam, as well as which destinations are still safe and open to visit. Below is a full overview of the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam as it relates to travellers.

Current snapshot of COVID-19 cases in Vietnam

The first confirmed cases of COVID-19 appeared in Vietnam on Jan. 23, 2020. Of the confirmed infections in Vietnam to date, 13 are Vietnamese, two are Chinese and one is American.

The confirmed infections were found in the northern province of Vinh Phuc (11), in Ho Chi Minh City (3), Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province (1), and Thanh Hoa (1).

Aviation and entry policies at Vietnam’s airports

Since February 1, all flights to and from mainland China on all airlines have been indefinitely suspended by the Civil Aviation Administration of Vietnam. Flights transiting through China are likewise denied entry to Vietnam at this time. Flights connecting to Macau, Hong Kong and Taiwan are operational with many airlines running reduced routes.

Vietnam Airlines and Air Seoul have suspended flights between Seoul and Hà Nội, while Bamboo Airways is cancelling its routes from Nha Trang and Đà Nẵng to Seoul indefinitely from February 26.

All visitors are required to comply with regulations on epidemic prevention and health inspections upon landing in Vietnam’s airports. Travellers arriving from as well as those who have transited through South Korea are required to submit medical declarations upon arrival in Vietnam. Non-Vietnamese nationals who have transited through mainland China within the past 14 days will be refused entry to Vietnam.

Vietnam Airlines and Jetstar Pacific have announced they will temporarily waive flight change and refund fees for passengers flying to or from Chinese cities until further notice.

Health and safety precautions for travellers

Travellers in Vietnam are encouraged to take sensible precautions against COVID-19 during their trips.

The World Health Organization outlines these basic practices to keep yourself and your loved ones safe:

1. Avoid travelling if you have a fever and cough. If you have fever, cough, and difficulty breathing, alert health care services and share with them your recent travel history.

2. Maintain social distancing. Stay a metre or more away from others, especially those who are sneezing or coughing, or have fever.

3. Wash your hands regularly with soap and running water. You can also use an alcohol-based hand-sanitizer to spray your hands as often as you like.

4. Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when you cough or sneeze. Dispose of dirty tissues immediately and wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.

5. Avoid contact with live animals. Wash your hands with soap and water if you touch live animals or animal products in markets.

6. Eat only well-cooked food. Make sure your meals especially animal proteins and dairy products are thoroughly cooked and prepared in a sanitary environment.

7. Discard single-use masks. If you choose to wear a single-use mask, ensure it covers your nose and mouth, avoid touching the mask, and wash your hands after removing it.

Travellers looking for updated statistics on COVID-19 can use the Coronavirus app.

Updates from the Vietnamese government: https://ncov.moh.gov.vn

News updates from Vietnam Tourism: https://vietnam.travel/media-industry

For more advice and information on protection and prevention, visit the World Health Organization’s official website.

Source: vietnam.travel