According to the latest reports, Vietnam’s Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam suggested that travellers to choose to visit the country from “safe” nations would only have to self-isolate for seven days, rather than the full 21 days. 

The categorisation of which countries are deemed to be safe or not will be drawn up by the country’s Ministry of Health. On Wednesday, Dam met the National Steering Committee for COVID-19 Prevention and Control. During the meeting, the “safe” countries were not identified. 

The Ministry will also be responsible of creating a new COVID testing plan for those visiting Vietnam as well as prioritising the flights. “In not more than a week, the Health Ministry must issue the new guidance, and carry out COVID-19 testing and quarantining procedures in accordance with [it],” Dam said. 

Vietnam’s commerce will benefit from the quarantine length reduction, which 21 days for all visitors arriving in the country. By easing the length of the quarantine, Dam pointed out that visitors will be saving money as well. 

Dam urged the Ministry to keep in mind that testing is expensive and a strategic plan for mass testing must be set.