Local health agencies tested 197 Vietnamese workers in Equatorial Guinea for COVID-19 on July 1-2.  — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — The Ministry of Health is arranging a special repatriation flight to bring 116 Vietnamese citizens from Equatorial Guinea who have all tested positive for COVID-19.

Two of the infected patients, aged 32 and 43, were in a serious condition but after oxygen treatment, are showing signs of recovery.

In total, the flight will repatriate 216 labourers who work for three companies in west Africa on August 3.

The health ministry and the flag carrier Vietnam Airlines are discussing plans regarding the flight, and are working closely with Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and representatives of the three companies to list workers and their symptoms to prepare for necessary medical interventions.  

The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hà Nội said they are ready to appoint a medical task force to send to Equatorial Guinea on this repatriation flight.

The workers are working at Sendje Hydropower Plant in Littorial Province under the contracts between Lilama Company, CM Vietnam Company, Tân Đại Lợi Investment, Production, Trading and Service Co., Ltd and contractor Duglas Alliance Co., Ltd from the UK.

The youngest is 19-year-old while the oldest is 68.

On July 10, Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc ordered a repatriation flight to immediately bring back Vietnamese workers stranded in Equatorial Guinea, after reports of many falling ill with language barriers reportedly causing difficulties in treatment and diets. — VNS