Vietnam to minimize inbound flights until Tet over new coronavirus variant concerns
(VOVWORLD) -
Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has decided to minimize the number of flights carrying
Vietnamese citizens back home from now until the lunar New Year holiday (Tet), which falls in mid-February, as more contagious variants of coronavirus have been detected in many countries.
A Government Office dispatch said Vietnam will only allow in truly necessary flights that have been approved on a case-by-case basis by related agencies along with approval from the PM himself.
Vietnam closed its border in March last year to curb the spread of the pandemic but has gradually opened up to a limited number of flights which carry repatriated Vietnamese citizens from overseas, foreign business executives and experts or skilled workers, and diplomats.
PM Phuc ordered the Ministry of Defence and the Ministry of Public Security to enhance entry and exit management on the country’s land, sea, and other waterway border routes.
After the Tet holiday ends, the Ministry of Transport should study the resumption of regular commercial flights as per the Government’s instructions.