With her heady mix of bustling cities, soothing waterways and mouth-watering cuisine (all for next to nix), Vietnam has become an increasingly popular holiday destination for Australians.
Although inbound flights are currently lower than they’ve ever been (check cheapflights.com.au for options), it’s worth considering the lay of the land before you book your next trip.
COVID-19: The state of coronavirus in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay in Vietnam
As far as COVID-19 outbreaks go, Vietnam has been praised for how quickly it has jumped to stamp out potential hotbeds before they occur.
As of 12 March 2020, there are 44 confirmed cases in the country, putting it in the 40th spot in the rankings of countries with the highest number of infections. To put this into perspective, Australia sits at number 21 on the list with 127 confirmed cases.
RELATED: Live updates on the coronavirus pandemic
Earlier this month, Vietnam temporarily suspended the visa-free regime for Italy and South Korea as a preventative measure and further suspensions were announced on 9 March for the citizens of Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United Kingdom. Australians are required to apply for a visa.
Have you travelled through mainland China, Hong Kong, South Korea, Italy or Iran within the past 14 days? Travelers arriving from or have transited through mainland China, Daegu and Gyeogsangbuk will be refused entry while those who’ve entered Vietnam from or having transited through the other areas will be required to carry out medical declarations and medical declarations upon entering the country.
Travelers showing potential symptoms of COVID-19 may be placed in a 14-day quarantine at a designated health facility.
COVID-19 and your travel plans
Can you still safely enjoy a holiday in Vietnam? The official word from The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is yes. As of 11 March, DFAT has not changed its risk level which is ‘Exercise normal safety precautions’.
That said, it’s worth noting travel around the country won’t be uninterrupted. In response to the outbreak, a number of festivals and events such as Yen Fu Festival in Quang Ninh and Tam Chuc Festival in Ha Nam have been cancelled or postponed. While ancient sites and tourist attractions remain open, some pedestrian zones around Hanoi and Hue will remain closed until the situation improves.
Local authorities have requested any traveller experiencing symptoms of the virus, be it fever, dry cough and/or difficulty breathing should self-isolate and call Vietnam’s health hotline immediately on 19003228.
Woman selling on Vietnam’s famous floating markets. (iStock)
Precautions to take
If there’s one thing the Vietnamese do well (aside from their superior cuisine), it’s their public service announcements.
Need a giggle? Vietnamese health officials and lyricist Khac Hung have produced an animated music video titled ‘Jealous Coronavirus’, calling on viewers to wash their hands regularly and thoroughly, avoid large crowds and refrain from touching their faces.
The World Health Organization (WHO) also recommends keeping your distance from those showing signs of illness, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer where possible and practizing respiratory hygiene such as covering your nose and mouth when you sneeze and cough and disposing of your tissues thoughtfully.
If you’d like to the message to sink in through a less serious format however, the PSA can be seen here.
Vietnam has become an increasingly popular holiday destination for Australians. (iStock)
Does travel insurance cover me for coronavirus in Vietnam?
When it comes to travel during the COVID-19 outbreak, your travel insurance policy will be helpful should you get robbed or have an accident but sadly, that’s where it ends, says Peter Klemt, TravelCard CEO.
“Many people will find their leisure travel insurance policies may not cover costs where the cause is related to coronavirus since the World Health Organization declared it as a Global Health Emergency of International Concern,” he explains, adding he always encourages people to thoroughly read their PDS, so they understand what they are – and aren’t covered for.
“We would encourage anyone considering postponing their travel to talk to their travel agent or carrier as soon as possible. Some airlines are allowing cancellation or postponement with no penalty to the customer.”
Reporting by Dilvin Yasa. | Read original article here