Letter from Vietnam Tourism Chairman, Feb. 12, 2020

Updates on Vietnam Tourism’s proactive action in controlling the impact of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)

Dear Friends,

On behalf of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism, Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam, I would like to inform all our supporters, business partners and friends about the most updates and concrete measures of the Government of Vietnam in response to the outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) situation.

As of 10.00AM today, Vietnam has 15 confirmed cases of COVID-19, in which 6 cases have been cured and released from hospitals. The patients are from 4 provinces namely Vinh Phuc, Ho Chi Minh City, Thanh Hoa and Khanh Hoa and most of them returned from Wuhan. The secondary infections in those 4 over 63 provinces of Vietnam are family members or those who have close contact with patients. Since the first day when the disease was recognized until the epidemic was officially announced by the Government of Vietnam on February 1 st , 2020 and now, Vietnam has controlled the situation very well by promoting infection prevention, while isolating and quarantining Vietnamese citizens, who have travel history to China within 14 days and people with close contact to patients. Treatments and prevention measures have been effectively implemented, therefore there is absolutely no spread of COVID-19 within the community in Vietnam.

At present, attractions, heritage sites and restaurants are still open for tourists as usual. Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has collaborated with local authorities and tourism enterprises to apply infection prevention and control measures aiming at protecting tourists. Numerous attractions are well-prepared to prevent the infection by spraying disinfectant on-site, giving free masks and enhancing hygiene promotion for tourists.

During the time of the epidemic, tourism has to live up to its responsibility as an integral part of wider society and prioritises people and their wellbeing. Therefore, we understand why some countries issued warning advisory for their citizens on travelling to certain countries and territories in Asia, where confirmed COVID-19 cases and isolate themselves 14 days after travelling to these destinations. Nevertheless, with the effective control of the Government of Vietnam and active prevention measures being implemented to all provinces and tourist attractions, we affirm that tourists visiting Vietnam at this time are safe.

Vietnam National Administration of Tourism commits to accompany our partners in any circumstance to ensure the best for tourists. We will continue to update information and are ready to help and connect with related authorities on further enquiries regarding the COVID-19 situation in Vietnam.

NGUYEN TRUNG KHANH

Chairman
MINISTRY OF CULTURE, SPORTS AND TOURISM VIETNAM NATIONAL ADMINISTRATION OF TOURISM
80 Quan Su Street, Hoan Kiem District, Ha Noi, Vietnam
Tel: +84-24-39423760