REPORT TO DIPLOMATIC CORPS: VIETNAM'S EXPERIENCE IN COMBATING COVID-19 PANDEMIC

On July 2^nd, 2020, Dr. Tran Dinh Lam had a meeting with the consul delegates of 28 countries at the Caravelle Hotel to discuss Vietnam’s experience in combating the COVID-19 pandemic at the invitation of the Consul General of Hungary in Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – Dean of the Diplomatic Corps in HCMC.

Having kept abreast of the new threat of COVID-19 and maintained vigilance against it, Vietnam was quick to carry out efficient preliminary measures. The government took precautions against the potential dangers posed by the disease by launching basic information campaigns across multiple communication platforms as well as keeping the populace informed of continually updated recommendations and directives.

Well-defined and firm measures to rid communities of sources of infection were enacted. Potential disease carriers, upon discovery, were promptly brought into quarantine and subjected to testing by the appropriate authorities; those made close contact with the individuals in question were contacted as well. In addition, apartment complexes, major hospitals, or hamlets were placed on lockdown as a necessary measure––a firm directive from the government that has proven to be effective. Furthermore, all individuals entering the country are put into 14-day quarantine and closely monitored to minimize foreign sources of infection.

An interesting point was raised during the report briefing, the Vietnamese tradition of national unity and the people’s “conformity” in the time of the pandemic. One may find displays of said tradition in the form of rice ATMs where articles of daily necessity or monetary donations are distributed to those in need including individuals from outside the country. This is the Vietnamese tradition of national unity being put into action.

As for the “conformity” characteristic, in the context of the current pandemic, it is following directives from the government and behaving within new social norms such as wearing face masks, avoiding crowded places, and self-reporting if exhibit symptoms. It is “conformity” that has made the public need for safety the top priority and has, by extension, made disease containment a smooth operation.

Consul delegates at Caravelle Hotel

U.S. Consul General Marie C. Damour expressed high praise for Vietnam’s efforts in keeping abreast, social mobilization, and disease containment. She opined that the government of Vietnam had done well in its capacity to manage the country, build credibility, and respond to the pandemic. Netherlands Consul General Carel Richter was impressed with Vietnam’s success noting how no COVID-19 related deaths had been reported despite Vietnam’s status as a developing country. He wished for the government to soon open the borders to better stimulate the economy.

British Consul General Ian Gibbons MBE spoke highly of Vietnam’s role in promoting solidarity and sharing success stories in combating COVID-19 as Chairman of ASEAN in the 6 months to come.

The Consul General of Canada and Australia gave praises to Vietnam and made suggestions that the economy be kickstarted and that international flights resume operation. Sharing the sentiment, Royal Thai Consul General Apirat Sugondhabhirom added that with the reputation for containing Covid-19 and the position of 2020 Chairman of ASEAN, Vietnam would better strengthen the relations of ASEAN member states and play its role well as the bridge of cooperation between countries of the region.

Speaking at the meeting during his acceptance of his role as the new Dean of the Diplomatic Corps, Mr. Carel Richter thought highly of Vietnam's role in the integration process of the Southeast Asia region. Vietnam would do well to bring into play its advantage of national unity in times of COVID-19 and make use of it to unlock resources for economic growth. The dynamism of Vietnam––when led by a determination to combat the disease, abiding the government's rule, and respecting the law built on the foundation of humanities values agreed by the people––shall spread across Southeast Asia. This success must be shared for all to study and put into practice.

Mr. Tibor Baloghdi  - Consul General of Hungrary (left) presenting a gift to Mr. Carel Richter  - Consul General of the Netherlands on his acceptnce of the position of Dean of the Diplomatic Corps

Recent news

Same category