No bias in treating foreigners in Covid-19 pandemic: Vietnam spokesperson

Vietnam's foreign ministry has affirmed no bias in treating foreignersin the country, which is striving to contain the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Photo: Baoquocte

“Vietnam has taken a number of preventive measures against the pandemic due to the complexity of the situation to serve the first and foremost goal that is the safety of Vietnamese people and foreigners,” Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said in a statement released in Friday.

The government of Vietnam, in the spirit of humanity, has given care and support to both Vietnamese and foreigners in the country to ensure safety, healthcare, and treatment if necessary, Hang noted.

The spokesperson said Vietnam thanked countries and territories for their collaboration and support for Vietnamese citizens abroad, as well as treatment in case of infection.

“We hope that the spirit of humanity, fairness and no discrimination will be upheld all over the world to ensure all nationals live in safety and receive medical treatment. We hope that joint efforts will push back the pandemic,” Hang emphasized.

So far, Vietnam applies mandatory 14-day quarantine to people coming or traveling across the epidemic-hit areas regardless of Vietnamese or foreigners. But the government does not charge any cost in this period or coronavirus tests.

Earlier this week, Vietnam’s Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc asked local authorities at all levels to strictly deal with acts of discrimination against foreigners.

Weeks ago, Hanoi’s Party Chief Vuong Dinh Hue urged no discrimination against foreigners amid the spread of the new coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2).