Australian newswire highlights Vietnam’s success in fighting COVID-19 resurgence

Sydney (VNA) – Europe could look to thesuccess of countries like Vietnam as thecontinent is again in the grip of a COVID-19 resurgence, with outbreakhot-spots in the United Kingdom, Spain and France each reporting thousands ofnew daily cases, theconversation.com reported.

Europe’s second wave is worse than the first, accordingto the Australian-headquartered media outlet. The level of infections are nowhigher than in March and April across many countries, after restrictions weresignificantly eased over summer. But now many areas are being forced tore-introduce varying levels of restrictions, though most countries areresisting nationwide lockdowns.

By contrast, several Southeast Asian countries are doingexceptionally well, the newswire said. Over the past two weeks, Vietnam, Thailand andCambodia have reported around 0-5 daily new cases on average despite densepopulations.

In Vietnam, total number of cases is just over 1,100,which is extremely low for a population of nearly 100 million.

It highlighted targeted testing as an effective tacticused by Vietnamese health authorities, where they have focused on high-riskindividuals and on buildings and neighbourhoods where there have been confirmedcases. Health authorities have also implemented extensive contact tracing, andaimed to identify those at risk of exposure regardless of symptoms.

The countryalso set up quarantine facilities for infected people and internationaltravellers, minimising spread inside households.

It noted that having experienced the SARS and avian fluepidemics, many Asian countries took the threat of COVID-19 seriously rightfrom the beginning.

In addition, many countries implemented strict mask wearingand physical distancing early. Targeted testing, education and the involvementof the community are critical in responding to COVID-19./.

VNA