American newspaper hails Vietnamese fight against COVID-19

According to the paper, Vietnamese success in fighting off two waves of the virus can largely be attributed to the solidarity shown by local people.

Counter Punch outlines how the nation acted both swiftly and decisively in order to contain COVID-19. Notable efforts include closing its border with China, prohibiting flights from China and other countries, no longer issuing visas to foreign nationals, implementing stringent contact tracing, opening up quarantine facilities, and a short-lived nationwide lockdown.

The publication adds that actions taken by the Government would have been diluted if citizens had not co-operated by taking steps such as wearing face masks, observing social distancing, and, at one point, only leaving their homes to purchase essential goods.

The article also offers an insight into the solidarity shown by the Vietnamese people in the fight against COVID-19.

“Vietnam is well-positioned with a younger generation that is more individualistic than that of its parents because of their country’s integration into the global community, the Internet, and the fact that they are growing up in a time of peace with no (physical) external enemies. Yet they still possess a strong sense of solidarity, “mutual support within a group”, and identification with the collective, which is heightened in times of crisis”, the article states.

“COVID-19 was presented and understood as an invisible enemy against which the people had to unite. This solidarity ensures that most people will behave in an empathetic and compassionate manner when needed”, it adds.

The article also gives details about the New Generation Vietnam survey conducted by the British Council. The results indicate that 72% of respondents believe their country will be better off in 15 years’ time than it was before 2019, which therefore reflects the well-documented optimism displayed by the Vietnamese people.

According to the results of the survey, Vietnamese people’s concerns and suggestions largely focus on corruption, political engagement, environmental protection, gender equality, and improving both the economy and entrepreneurship.