HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam was in control of the COVID-19 epidemic with no new cases reported since February 13, said experts at a conference on Wednesday in Hà Nội.

The lockdown on Sơn Lôi Commune – the centre of the epidemic in Việt Nam – was officially lifted at midnight on Wednesday.

Speaking at the conference, Associate Professor Lương Ngọc Khuê, director of the Medical Services Administration under the Ministry of Health, said although no new cases had been detected, medical forces still had to focus on preventive measures with the priority given to early detection and quarantine.

Regarding flights from South Korea to Việt Nam, Deputy Minister of Transport Lê Anh Tuấn said that since 6pm on Tuesday, flights had been allowed to land at Vân Đồn Airport in the northern province of Quảng Ninh, and Phù Cát Airport in the central province of Bình Định.

However, airlines would continue reducing flights between Việt Nam and South Korea. 

On the South Korean side, only Asiana Airlines and Korean Air operate routes from Incheon Airport in Seoul to Hà Nội, HCM City and Đà Nẵng. Flights from South Korea were only being used to pick up passengers in Việt Nam or cargo flights with no passengers on board.

To supervise people entering Việt Nam, the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism has asked localities, especially those with airports, to prepare accommodation for quarantine if needed.

As of Wednesday, more than 93,000 COVID-19 patients had been reported in 80 countries and territories around the world, according to the Ministry of Health. China had more than 80,200 patients in all of its 31 provinces and cities.

More than 3,200 fatalities had been reported worldwide, with 2,900 in China.

The northern province of Hòa Bình on Wednesday morning placed 106 people in quarantine after they returned from working or studying in South Korea. One woman who had been visiting relatives was also isolated.

They have been provided with face masks, sterilising solution and leaflets on COVID-19 preventive measures.

Competition

The organisers of the global cyber security competition WhiteHat Grand Prix 06 on Wednesday decided to move the final round to May this year to prevent COVID-19 from spreading.

Detailed timing will be announced three weeks beforehand.

The final round will also be held online with the top 10 teams from six countries including the US, South Korea, Russia, India, Germany and Việt Nam.

The competition is being organised by the Ministry of Science and Technology and the Vietnamese cyber security community. — VNS