Vietnam has been very strict in its handling of the virus. Image: Adobe Stock
Vietnam has been very strict in its handling of the virus. Image: Adobe Stock
The communist nation, which has won praise for its handling of the coronavirus pandemic, said flights from the UK and South Africa would be affected first.
The health and transport ministries will later decide if flights from elsewhere need to be banned, according to a prime minister’s directive.
New strains cause for concern in South Africa and UK
The two new variants, which are potentially far more infectious versions of the virus, first emerged in the UK and South Africa.
COVID cases in Britain have soared in recent weeks, forcing the government to impose tighter restrictions in a desperate attempt to curb infection rates.
Vietnam able to keep COVID numbers low
But Vietnam — with a population of 96 million — has recorded just 1,504 cases and 35 deaths thanks to mass quarantines, extensive contact-tracing and strict controls on movement.
Most inbound commercial flights have been suspended since March, but Vietnamese citizens stuck abroad and some foreigners have been allowed to enter.
By © Agence France-Presse
