Russian expert speaks of Vietnam’s effective measures against COVID-19

Associate Professor Maxim Syunnerberg of the Lomonosov Moscow State University (Photo: VNA)

According to Associate Professor Maxim Syunnerberg of the Lomonosov Moscow State University, the three factors are the prompt and timely response by authorities, people’s sense of responsibility, and information transparency.

Vietnam’s achievements in COVID-19 prevention and control resulted in a low transmission rate, with only 270 cases and no fatalities in the country as of April 23.

An emergency response centre was established after the first COVID-19 case had been detected, he said, adding that Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc announced on February 1 the appearance of the disease in three localities with six patients.

He commended other prompt actions taken by Vietnam, such as closing schools, holding drills, suspending flights to pandemic-stricken countries, and restricting visas granted to foreigners, among others.

Syunnerberg also spoke of the PM’s directive on April 1 on imposing the nationwide social distancing order. The Government also announced supportive economic measures in early March, he added.

He cited a survey finding that Vietnamese people have the most confidence in their Government’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The expert also lauded the significant role of the local media and the people’s sense of responsibility, with various creative measures adopted by the public.

In science, Vietnam was one of the first countries worldwide to have successfully isolated the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 that causes COVID-19, he said, adding that the country’s test kits have been used widely and they, together with other medical equipment, have been exported to Europe and the US.

With its collective strength, Vietnam has the right to hope it will be one of the countries with the lowest COVID-19 cases worldwide and will overcome the pandemic with the least consequences, he said.