Lessons on Covid-19 from Vietnam

And an interview with Mike Tatarski, editor of Saigoneer

Vietnam’s rapid response to the 2020 coronavirus pandemic will likely be studied in public health programs for years to come. No new cases have been reported since April 16th, and their tally of 288 infected and 0 fatalities is holding steady. Schools are slowly reopening, domestic travel has returned, and, according to The Nation, several businesses have pivoted to focus on the creation and distribution of masks, hazmat suits, and ventilators to countries in need.

https://www.thenation.com/article/world/coronavirus-vietnam-quarantine-mobilization/

How did they do it? By all accounts, they accepted the pandemic for what it was and still is: a very real threat to national security, industry, and population. Vietnam knew that their best chance lay in containing the virus: their healthcare system would be unable to handle a large-scale outbreak. They also knew that they had a narrow window of time.

On January 23rd, two cases were confirmed. On January 24th -one day later- the government activated their Emergency Epidemic Prevention Center and immediately began taking steps to educate the public (massive billboards, TV ads, and even TikTok dances were used), isolate confirmed cases in hospitals, and quarantine and test those who had been exposed. Those who…