Vietnam: Domestic flights increase in frequency April 29 /update 26

Event

On Wednesday, April 29, domestic flights resumed on several routes amid the easing of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) lockdown measures nationwide. Vietnam Airlines has increased the frequency of flights between Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City to eight flights per day while routes between Da Nang and Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City have been increased to three flights per day each. Between Friday, May 1, and Friday, May 15, airlines will continue to add domestic flights, with the Hanoi-Ho Chi Minh City route rising to as many as 14 flights per day and the Da Nang-Ho Chi Ming City and Da Nang-Hanoi routes rising to four daily. Flights between other domestic locations are operating flexibly based on demand and government guidelines, generally operating between three and 21 flights per week. Limited domestic flight service resumed on Thursday, April 16, after a government-imposed lockdown order was partially lifted.

Passenger transportation by bus, taxi, and contract cars have resumed, and subsidized inter-city buses are operating as of Monday, May 4.

Nationwide social distancing measures in Vietnam were eased from Thursday, April 23, following no new reported COVID-19 cases the previous week. Several nonessential services will be allowed to resume as long as proper hygiene practices are observed. Secondary schools in Hanoi reopened on Monday, May 4, while primary schools and kindergartens will resume on Monday, May 11. Religious gatherings, celebrations, as well as sporting and cultural activities will remain prohibited. Additionally, bars, karaoke lounges, and massage parlours will continue to be closed. Authorities have still advised the public to refrain from going out and to avoid crowds.

The Vietnamese government has suspended entry to all foreign nationals who were previously granted travel visas. Travelers who were granted visas for diplomatic or official purposes are exempt from the restriction. Individuals who are deemed experts, business managers, or highly skilled workers will still be allowed to enter the country but must have a medical certificate showing they tested negative for the virus and will be quarantined upon arrival. A suspension on issuing new visas remains in place. All international flights to Vietnam have also been suspended.

As of May 4, 271 cases of COVID-19 and no associated deaths have been confirmed in Vietnam. Further international spread of the virus is expected over the near term.

Context

The first case of COVID-19 was reported on December 31 and the source of the outbreak has been linked to a wet market in Wuhan (Hubei province, China). Human-to-human and patient-to-medical staff transmission of the virus have been confirmed. Many of the associated fatalities have been due to pneumonia caused by the virus.

Cases of the virus have been confirmed in numerous countries and territories worldwide. Virus-screening and quarantining measures are being implemented at airports worldwide, as well as extensive travel restrictions. On March 11, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the global outbreak a pandemic.

Pneumonia symptoms include dry cough, chest pain, fever, and labored breathing. Pneumonia can be contagious and can be transmitted from human to human. The influenza virus, or the flu, is a common cause of viral pneumonia. 

Advice

Measures adopted by local authorities evolve quickly and are usually effective immediately. Depending on the evolution of the outbreak in other countries, authorities are likely to modify, at very short notice, the list of countries whose travelers are subject to border control measures or entry restrictions upon their arrival to the territory in question. It is advised to postpone nonessential travel due to the risk that travelers may be refused entry or be subject to quarantine upon their arrival or during their stay.

To reduce the general risk of transmission, travelers are advised to abide by the following measures:

• Frequently clean hands by using alcohol-based hand rub or soap and water.
• When coughing and sneezing, cover mouth and nose with a flexed elbow or tissue; if used, throw the tissue away immediately and wash hands.
• If experiencing a fever, cough, difficulty breathing, or any other symptoms suggestive of respiratory illness, including pneumonia, call emergency services before going to the doctor or hospital to prevent the potential spread of the disease.