Photo for illustration (Source: baovinhphuc.com.vn)
The article said that although there are some new infection cases in Vietnam in recent days, most of these cases are people having just come from Europe - the new epicenter of the Covid-19 pandemic.
The author noted that Vietnam responded faster than most other Asian countries when suspending entry and exit between Vietnam and China in January 2020 - the time when Covid-19 outbreak was right on Lunar New Year Festival, as many Vietnamese people returned to their hometowns with family and friends.
The article states that Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc on March 9th temporarily suspended the 15 day visa exemptions for visitors from many European countries. A week later, Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs announced it would stop granting visas at all border gates.
The Asia Times also quoted Prime Minister Phuc as saying in early March: Every business, every citizen, every residential area must be a fortress against the epidemic.
The press also cited news sources claiming that most Vietnamese people respect the restrictions on gathering crowds and closure of bars, restaurants, and other public places until the end of March.
It quoted Australian Professor Carl Thayer, a leading expert on Vietnam and international affairs, saying that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc "took the initiative action".
The Professor said that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has set up a task force to supervise at national, provincial, and local levels. The Government has actively and urgently carried out a communication campaign to encourage citizens to do what is necessary to slow the spread of the virus.
He added that the Vietnamese army, respected and trusted by the society, has been mobilized to support public health measures through military health experts and provision of quarantine facilities.
In addition, the article mentioned that Deputy Prime Ministers of the Government of Vietnam often speak to the public about the Covid-19 situation in the country, while leaders of relevant ministries and organizations have organized regular press conference (broadcast on the national television) to update the public about activities of the government in combating the pandemic./.