Much has been written elsewhere about how Vietnam defeated Covid-19’s initial waves in 90 days. In a country of close to 100 million people, it is remarkable that there have been no confirmed deaths. As UK Prime Minister Johnson said, “the virus thrives on ambivalence”, and perhaps that is why this country was able to succeed where so many others have succumbed. A combination of quick action: closing borders, imposing quarantine and military efficiency and effective communication: TikTok videos, traditional media and propaganda posters (above) helped pull the nation’s actions into a cohesive plan. The country’s lockdown in April was relatively short, less than three weeks, and then the hard-working nation got back to work.
Travel Travails
Vietnam’s borders remain pretty much closed to tourists and non-essential travel. Arrivals must undergo two weeks quarantine, currently in state facilities, but soon possibly in swanky hotels. This is a sensible approach to protect the 90 day record of no community-spread cases of Covid-19. Although the international tourism market will suffer as a result – probably until next year – the domestic tourism market is getting a boost. Popular destinations like Hoi An, and the coastal resorts, will no doubt be even more charming without the swarms of North Asian tourists in their pineapple-print shirts and matching shorts. The airline industry has been hit hard and National Carrier Vietnam Airlines is seeking government help to the tune of about US$ 500m.
Some Motherwell’s Son
One of Vietnam Airlines’ pilots, a Brit from Lanarkshire, Scotland – an ardent Motherwell supporter – has a lot to thank Vietnam for. He was an unfortunate carrier of more than passengers in April, and brought Covid-19 to a popular expat bar in Ho Chi Minh City’s District 2. He became very sick, and his lungs became like sacks of cement, putting him at death’s door, and with a real-chance of being Vietnam’s only Covid-19 fatality. He spent close to 100 days in an ICU in Ho Chi Minh City, and received excellent healthcare. Several Vietnamese people even offered to be lung-transplant donors to save the life of the British pilot. Thankfully, he made a full recovery, and is safely back in Scotland. It appears that his local football club is seeking a new sponsor for the next season, maybe Vietnam Airlines can be allowed to use some of its subsidy to get its name on the jersey of its newest fan. The pilot said that he would have died, had he been anywhere other than Vietnam.