Vietnam Railways suspends passenger trains to China over nCoV outbreak

February 04, 2020 | 17:00

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State-owned Vietnam Railways (VNR) officially suspended transnational passenger trains to China from February 4 as a measure to prevent the spread of the coronavirus epidemic.

vietnam railways suspends passenger trains to china over ncov outbreak

The move was made in line with the Ministry of Transport’s directions on taking measures to prevent and fight the novel coronavirus (nCoV) epidemic.

Accordingly, transnational passenger train No.T8701/MR2 was suspended from 18:05 pm of February 4. VNR will also halt transnational passenger train No.MR1/T8702 from 12 am of February 5.

VNR will maintain the operation of transnational cargo trains running through the railway border gates of Dong Dang and Lao Cai.

At present, the railway giant is taking measures to prevent the nCoV outbreak, while co-operating with local authorities, authorised forces, and relevant agencies on preventive measures to best protect passengers and staff on international cargo trains between Dong Dang (Vietnam) and Pingxiang, and those between Lao Cai (Vietnam) and Shan Ai.

According to the latest update from the Vietnamese Ministry of Health, as of 4 pm February 4, the epidemic was detected in 27 countries with the total number of cases of infection reaching 20,640, including over 20,445 in China.

The deadly virus killed 427 people, 425 of whom were in China. The two other deaths were reported in the Philippines and Hong Kong.

The coronavirus was detected in 195 patients outside of China. In Vietnam, the cases of infection have risen to 10.

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