The Government of Viet Nam has decided to temporarily suspend visa exemption for citizens from Italy since March 3 amid fast rising COVID-19 infections in the European country. 

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The decision was confirmed by Foreign Ministry’s Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang on Monday morning.

Italy is one of 13 countries currently benefiting from Viet Nam’s unilateral visa exemption program with duration of stay not exceeding 15 days.

Earlier on February 28, the Government had decided to temporarily halt visa-waiver program for nationals of South Korea in the wake of the COVID-19 epidemic, applicable since March February 29.

The Italian Ministry of Health reported Sunday that the number of COVID-19 infections in the nation rose to 1,688, including 34 fatalities./.