Chairman of Vietnam National Administration of Tourism Nguyen Trung Khanh updates on Vietnam Tourism's proactive action in controlling the impact of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19)

Ha Noi, 12 February 2020

Subject: 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 Viet Nam, I would like to inform all our supporters, business partners and friends about the most updates and concrete measures of the Government of Viet Nam in response to the outbreak of the Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19) situation.

As of 10.00AM today, Viet Nam 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 Viet Nam 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 Viet Nam on February 1st, 2020 and now, Viet Nam 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 Viet Nam.

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 Viet Nam and active prevention measures being implemented to all provinces and tourist attractions, we affirm that tourists visiting Viet Nam 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 Viet Nam./.

MR. NGUYEN TRUNG KHANH
Chairman