Coronavirus is a large group of viruses that can cause a wide range of complications, from the common cold to the Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS-CoV), and severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS-CoV). Typical symptoms of these viruses range from those of a common cold to fever, and – in some cases – shortness of breath. X-rays of the lungs can be utilized to diagnose infection. 

It has been assessed that the coronavirus is indeed contagious. The World Health Organization (WHO) has sent warnings to hospitals worldwide but yet to make an official announcement regarding the virus. [TDW1] However, to ensure the safety of its customers, VNA has taken prevention measures throughout its units.

Accordingly, VNA’ Branch Office in China, as well as other offices in countries reporting coronavirus cases, will proactively report, assess the situation, and make timely recommendations to the Group. During service delivery, the Group will cooperate with airport medical units to check upon the discovery of suspected cases of infection.

Cabin crews will proactively distribute medical face masks and gloves on flights to/from China to ensure readiness in case of mandated infection prevention plans issued by authorities. Medical face masks and gloves will also be worn during service delivery to potential/confirmed cases of coronavirus.

The Carrier’s units in airports have disseminated information related to the disease in order to raise staff awareness of infection prevention and control; they have purchased and provided medical face masks at airports to ensure readiness in case of mandated infection prevention plans issued by authorities. Furthermore, they have also followed cooperation procedures, regulations, and guidelines set by authorities and relevant agencies and ministries working in quarantine, and have also worked closely with competent authorities at the border to monitor immigrants, especially passengers entering from China.

Body temperature screening at Noi Bai International Airport to monitor arriving passengers. (Cre: VTV).

Upon discovery of potentially affected passengers traveling onboard the aircraft, the flight crew and cabin crew need to equip themselves with a personal protection kit (including medical face masks and gloves from the first-aid/emergency kit) before contacting said passengers. After making contact, they need to isolate potentially affected passengers and provide them with face masks and sickbags. Units also need to inform medical and quarantine departments at airports (via shift leaders of the Operation Control Center) and cooperate as per instructions of relevant ministries. 

Additionally, after receiving information on potentially affected passengers, the Operation Control Center must immediately inform the airport operation control center, quarantine department, the operation assistant at the airport, and the Passenger Service Department.

The Ministry of Health has affirmed that the novel coronavirus could spread to and within Vietnam. The potential of an outbreak at the community-level is also on the horizon if no proactive measures are taken to prevent and control the virus’ infection potential through tourists and workers traveling from Wuhan, Hubei province (China) – especially during the 2020 Lunar New Year when the travel demand between the regions and the two countries is on the rise. 

Nguyen Xuan Nghia – COMM