Hanoi, 23 April 2020 – After receiving approval of the Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control, the Vietnamese authorities, the Vietnam Embassy in Japan, and Vietnam Airlines cooperated to transport medical supplies and equipment from the Government and People of Vietnam to the Japanese counterparts to combat the COVID-19.

On the returning flight to Vietnam, following the guidance of the Prime Minister, Vietnamese authorities, the Embassy of Vietnam in Japan, Vietnam Airlines cooperated with the Japanese authorities to fly home nearly 300 Vietnamese nationals. This return flight included the disadvantaged, pregnant women, and some workers and students whose work and study permits expired.

Upon landing in Vietnam, the passengers received a health examination and went into quarantine per the regulations. Service provided to passengers strictly complied with pandemic prevention and control regulations. Pre-boarding temperature checks, health checks, and interviews of passengers were conducted. Passengers were also required to wear face masks during the flight. All members of the flight crew were equipped with complete medical protective gear. The aircraft was thoroughly disinfected, from the cockpit to the passenger cabin before continuing its service.

Amid the suspension of international flights, in accordance with the guidance of the Prime Minister, Vietnamese authorities and representative agencies in foreign countries may continue to operated special flights to repatriate stranded Vietnamese citizens overseas, with priority given to children under 18, the elderly, the sick, thereby ensuring that resources are allocated appropriately, and concentrated quarantine sites are adequately positioned to receive more people.