In order to proactively prevent the acute respiratory infection caused by the coronavirus and ensure the safety of passengers, flight crews and the broader community, Vietnam Airlines has strictly disinfected all aircraft operated for flights from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, and Bangkok to Vietnam. At the same time, other flights carrying passengers showing abnormal signs of health will be reported to the authorities and disinfected following procedure. In addition, in order to hinder the survivability and progress of novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, Vietnam Airlines will adjust the passenger cabin temperature to 26°C and maintain this level of temperature throughout the duration of all flights. According to medical experts, the nCoV often weakens in temperatures above 25 °C). (Photo: Vietnam+) 
To prepare for the worst scenario of the disease outbreak in the community, the Ministry of Health has asked 22 central-level hospitals to arrange 3,000 beds for treating patients. Dr. Luong Ngoc Khue, Director of the Ministry of Health’s Medical Examination and Treatment Department, also stressed the need for special attention to monitoring the epidemic level and implementing isolation measures. In the photo: All aircraft used for flights from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok to Vietnam, and those which carried passengers showing signs of potential health problems are disinfected immediately upon landing at the apron – before resuming operation for subsequent flights. (Photo: Vietnam+) 
The disinfectant Disinfection Spraying Solution CH2200 is being used in accordance with the regulations and standards established by functional medical units. This disinfectant was approved for use by the aircraft manufacturer and poses no adverse health risks to passengers. The Ministry of Public Security tasked local-level police to coordinate with relevant ministries and agencies in tightening strict control at land, air and sea ports and encourage citizens not to travel across border crossings to prevent the virus infections. Local police forces shall be active in detecting, preventing and punishing those who try to disseminate false information on the epidemic. New infection cases must be immediately made public, the Government chief ordered. (Photo: Vietnam+) 
Since the coronavirus epidemic (also known as COVID-19) began showing signs of possible outbreak, the national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines has been proactively working in accordance with the local authorities and relevant agencies to continuously monitor the situation, supervise passengers’ health, as well as detect and handle cases of passengers displaying potential signs of infection on flights and at the airport. The entire passenger cabin seating area, cockpit, flight attendants’ preparation areas, etc., are thoroughly disinfected. Areas that need the most thorough disinfection are those with high rates of direct hand contact such as the luggage compartments, seat armrests, among others.(Photo: Vietnam+) 
All the aircraft used for flights from mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Bangkok to Vietnam, and those which carried passengers showing signs of potential health problems are disinfected immediately upon landing at the apron – before resuming operation for subsequent flights. Other areas such as seat surfaces, carpets, floors, or anywhere passengers might directly touch are also carefully disinfected and cleaned. The disinfectant Disinfection Spraying Solution CH2200 is being used in accordance with the regulations and standards established by functional medical units. This disinfectant was approved for use by the aircraft manufacturer and poses no adverse health risks to passengers. (Photo: Vietnam+) 
Thirty minutes after disinfection, aircraft can resume regular operation. After disinfection procedures, additional aircraft cleaning is carried out as usual. Meanwhile, the Civil Aviation Administration of Viet Nam (CAV) has asked airlines to proactively adjust their flight schedules and suspended all flights from coronavirus-affected areas to the Southeast Asian country. In its recent directive on the prevention and combat of the epidemic, the Aviation Administration of Viet Nam ordered airlines to not conduct regular flights and require additional licenses for flights from Vietnam to China’s affected regions. Flights from and to affected areas in China must be restricted, the CAV said. (Photo: Vietnam+) 
The CAV requested airports to step up inspection and coordinate with relevant agencies to carry out plans to prevent and cope with a possible virus outbreak. It asked the air transport department to suspend the approval of new flights from Viet Nam to China’s affected areas and vice versa. In its previous directive, the CAV ordered airlines to immediately report suspected cases to service supply agencies for prompt isolation and prevention. Vietnam Airlines has strictly implemented regulations and recommendations on the control of the coronavirus introduced by the Government and the health sector to ensure the highest level of safety for passengers, flight crews, aircraft, technical vehicles, ground staff, and the broader community. (Photo: Vietnam+) 
Vietnam Airlines will continue to monitor the development of the epidemic situation and implement the most appropriate plans to best serve its passengers. The outbreak of the acute respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 (nCoV) first occurred in Wuhan, China, in late December 2019, and has now spread to 15 other countries with about 60 cases in Asia, Europe, North America and the Middle East. In the photo: Spraying disinfectant helps prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 in the community. Passenger seats on trains are also disinfected. The Hanoi Railway Transport Joint Stock Company disinfected trains to prevent the spread of the novel coronavirus on February 7. (Photo: Vietnam+) VNA
