Vietnam spins virus crisis to win hearts and minds: Asia Times

The paper noted that though the number of confirmed cases in the country has risen in recent days, mostly due to tourists arriving from Europe, the new epicenter of the global pandemic, its capital’s strict containment measures have conveyed a bunker spirit that has arguably united the country.

Asia Times says Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc is determined to contain the epidemic (Photo: Twitter)

According to the paper, Vietnam responded quicker than most Asian nations by shutting down travel to and from China in January. The government decided to suspend 15-day visa exemptions for tourists from many European nations, and then announced a suspension of visas issued at all border crossings, including with China.

The paper hailed Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc’s strong determination, saying he "has been keen to convey a bunker mentality, employing war-like symbolism and appealing to Vietnamese notions of nationalism, which resonates with much of the public".

It quoted sources as saying most Vietnamese respect the restrictions imposed on public gatherings, with bars, restaurants and other public places ordered to close in major cities until the end of the month.

Carl Thayer, a Vietnam expert and emeritus professor at the University of New South Wales in Australia, was quoted by the paper as saying Prime Minister Phuc “has been proactive in taking action.”

“He has established a task force to oversee national, provincial and local levels. The government has gone into overdrive with an information campaign to advise citizens what actions they should take to retard the spread of the virus.”

The Hong Kong paper also acknowledged efforts by government, ministry and city leaders, in keeping people up to date with effective virus prevention measures.