Vietnam’s prime minister orders to reopen international flights to selected countries

At the meeting on Covid-19 pandemic control on Thursday in Ha Noi, the Vietnamese premier asked related ministries and State agencies study to reopen and increase international flights gradually.

But they were asked to strictly implement epidemic prevention measures and implement appropriate quarantine options for those who enters Vietnam foreign countries.

Prime Minister Phuc stated that the country has basically controlled the pandemic while maintaining economic growth. He assigned the Ministry of Transport, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs to discuss to remove difficulties on opening international flights.

As of Friday morning, Vietnam’s infections remained at 1,036 with no new cases on the morning. Of the patient tally, 548 linked to the Covid-19 hot spot in Da Nang.

Despite the encouraging signals, the Government chief ordered authorities, especially the health sector to avoid subjectivity and maintain high alert levels in order to prevent transmission of the virus into communities, considering it as an urgent task.

Phuc urged local leaders to issue punitive sanctions against those who intentionally violate regulations on Covid-19 responses while having detailed plans to foster economic activities.

Localities, especially border provinces must cooperate closely with the Ministry of National Defense to control the borders well in order to prevent illegal entrants.

Phuc called on smart phone users to download Bluezone app - a domestically developed contact-tracing mobile app to alert people who have interacted with Covid-19 patients, adding there have been more than 25 million downloads.

PM Phuc also urged subordinate levels to review and further simplify procedures, especially visa issuance, for foreign experts and investors to enter the country.