In order to be proactive in preventing the spread of acute pneumonia caused by the novel coronavirus, the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam (CAAV) has taken steps to stop all regular flights and halt the granting of permission for new flights between the nation and areas in China that have been affected by the epidemic.

The move comes following the CAAV Aviation Department recently issuing a written document requesting that airlines make adjustments to their flight plans in a bid to ensure that all flights to Vietnam from areas that have been hit by the novel corona virus are suspended.

Following this, airports are now required to co-ordinate efforts alongside airlines, ground service providers, and relevant agencies in order to review their medical emergency response process, make sure all resources are prepared for a possible pandemic scenario, and warning passengers to take preventive measures aimed at combating the epidemic whilst traveling.

Foreign airlines operating routes both to and from the country have been requested to strengthen their inspection, supervision, and co-ordination activities alongside relevant agencies as they deploy plans to prevent and deal with any possible epidemic that may hit airports.

The Ministry of Transport has recently issued Directive No 2 aimed at preventing cases of acute pneumonia caused by new strains of the novel corona virus. According to a statement put out by the ministry, the disease has so far reached 30 out of 31 provinces and cities throughout China, whilst also spreading to 18 countries and territories globally.

In order to be proactive in taking steps to prevent the epidemic, the Ministry of Transport has requested that the CAAV move to temporarily stop all flights between the nation and any affected areas in China whilst also raising awareness among passengers about the disease.

It is therefore recommended that passengers make plans to restrict travel in and out of regions in China that have been affected by the epidemic.

The Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, the CAAV, and other relevant agencies are requested to work closely together with the health sector in order to direct transportation units and effectively deploy warnings against the epidemic for passengers.

In addition to these changes, strict controls at border gates via road, waterways, and air must be tightened, whilst suspected cases should be dealt with by being put into isolation in a timely manner.