ESSAY

1.
COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) refers to the infectious disease caused by the most
recently discovered coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2. This new virus and disease were
unknown before the outbreak began in Wuhan, China in late 2019. SARS-CoV-2 is
believed to have originated in bats and is likely evolved to spread to humans directly
through intermediate animal hosts. The first human cases emerged in December 2019 in
Wuhan, associated with workers at a live animal market. Initially limited to China, global
transmission was well underway by March 2020 as infected travelers seeded outbreaks
worldwide. The World Health Organization officially declared COVID-19 a pandemic on
March 11th, 2020.
Over the next three years, COVID-19 went on to spread to 219 countries and territories
across the world. As of October 2023, there have been over 676 million confirmed cases
globally and over 6.8 million deaths.
Beyond health impacts like acute respiratory distress and death, the pandemic has had
devastating social and economic consequences globally. Entire industries were impacted
by lockdowns and mobility restrictions. Global GDP contracted in 2020 and recovery has
been uneven across nations. Supply chains and manufacturing were significantly
disrupted as well. While vaccines and improved treatments now offer hope of ending the
health crisis phase, the global damage from COVID-19 will likely persist for decades
through poverty, hunger, mental health issues, loss of education, and burden on health
infrastructure.
2.
The first two cases of COVID-19 were reported in Vietnam on January 23, 2020. The
cases were two Chinese nationals who had traveled from Wuhan. The next few months
saw small sporadic cases, limited to foreigners or overseas Vietnamese travelers. Strict
quarantines, border controls, mass testing and lockdowns managed to contain spread
initially.
The first real domestically transmitted local outbreak was in July 2021, culminating in
nearly 5000 cases and 47 deaths nationwide triggered by spread of Delta variant across
north and south. Lockdown imposed in COVID epicenters. By end of 2021, active cases
came down significantly again due to wide vaccine rollout, aggressive contact tracing and
quarantines by government. 80% of adult population received at least one dose by this
time.
In March 2022, a new surge of infections emerged driven by a more transmissible
Omicron variant, hitting both big cities and remote areas. Strict social distancing eased in
favor of vaccine boosters and self-monitoring. Daily cases peaked in October 2022
crossing 15,000 marks before coming down again as majority of Vietnamese displayed
considerable immunity, both natural and vaccine induced. As of February 2023, country
has largely returned to normalcy but government tracking potential case resurgence,
prioritizing vaccination and remaining vigilant on new variants. Death and hospitalization
rates kept low so far due to proactive responses.
Here is an update on the current COVID-19 situation in Vietnam as of January 2024: the
number of new cases reported daily remains low, averaging under 200 cases per day
nationwide. The past wave peaked around October 2022. As of January 20 th 2024,
Vietnam's total recorded cases stand at 11.6 million, number of people recover is over
10.6 million. There have been over 43,200 deaths attributed to COVID-19 so far.
Majority of current cases are concentrated in a few major cities and provinces like Hanoi,
Ho Chi Minh City, Binh Duong, Dong Nai. But overall infection rates are much
controlled.
The basic vaccination rate for people aged 12 years and older is approximately 100%.
The third vaccination rate for people 18 years and older reached 82.0%. Most COVID
rules and restrictions have been lifted across Vietnam, with no quarantines, lockdowns, or
business impacts currently. Mask wearing is still prevalent in public spaces like hospitals,
airports and on public transit, but not compulsory outdoor. So, in summary, Vietnam has
been successfully containing COVID spread using vaccines and safety rules, with mostly
normal activities resuming while monitoring potential case spikes.
3.
Vietnam reacted quickly when the first cases emerged in January 2020, enacting strict
lockdowns, travel restrictions, quarantines, and contact tracing. This early decisive
response was credited with helping contain the initial outbreak.
Lockdowns and Social distancing: Early decisive lockdowns of major hotspots
coupled with strict social distancing norms for wider population helped substantially slow
viral spread across communities during various waves.
Extensive testing & tracing: Mass door-to-door RT-PCR testing drives (over 200
million tests to date) enabled identification and rapid isolation of positive cases when
case counts were low. Effective tracing and quarantine of exposed individuals prevented
surges.
Border Restrictions: Banning flights from affected countries and imposition of 21-
day centralized quarantine for any entrants minimized import of cases, especially virus
variants of concern. Stopped spillovers into local transmission chains.
The government also developed a phone app that helped track the spread of the
virus. This allowed them to see emerging hotspots and clusters quicker in order to
respond.
Periodic Outbreaks: Despite strong initial containment, Vietnam has experienced
periodic outbreaks fueled by more contagious variants. Major outbreaks taxed the
healthcare system but were eventually contained using lockdowns, movement
restrictions, and rapid isolations of infections. The Delta variant in 2021 was difficult to
control.
Vaccine Rollout: Vietnam's vaccination campaign started slower but picked up
pace in 2021. As of late 2022, over 90% of adults received two doses of mainly
AstraZeneca or Pfizer vaccines. Boosters have also been administered. High vaccination
coverage has afforded Vietnam the ability to reopen borders and ease more restrictions
domestically without hospitals becoming overwhelmed.
Living with COVID: In early 2022, Vietnam shifted strategy to living safely with
COVID with no more zero-COVID target. Borders reopened to tourists in mid-2022.
Testing, tracing, and isolating positive cases continues allowing economic activity to
recover. Sporadic outbreaks are controlled through localized measures rather than
national lockdowns. Mask wearing remains commonplace.
4.
Beyond health impacts like acute respiratory distress and death, the pandemic has had
devastating social and economic consequences globally. Entire industries were impacted
by lockdowns and mobility restrictions. the global damage from COVID-19 will likely
persist for decades through poverty, hunger, mental health issues, loss of education, and
burden on health infrastructure.
Economic challenges and unemployment are a huge problem. Many individuals
faced job losses or reduced income due to disruptions in economic activities, particularly
in sectors heavily impacted by the pandemic. Informal workers and those in the gig
economy were particularly vulnerable, lacking job security and social protections.
Migrant workers, especially those working in industries directly impacted by the
pandemic, faced challenges such as job insecurity, accommodation issues, and limited
access to healthcare.
Education disruptions due to school closures. Temporary closures of schools
disrupted the education system, affecting students' learning progress and creating
challenges for parents juggling work and childcare.
Digital divide had impacted a lot. Disparities in access to online learning tools
highlighted the digital divide, with some students having limited access to technology
and the internet.
Mental Health Strain is also a matter that needs to be taken care of. After being
isolated and getting anxiety, people suffer from social distancing measures and
lockdowns contributed to feelings of isolation and heightened anxiety among individuals,
especially those separated from family and friends. Huge psychological impact for the
people. The fear of infection, uncertainty about the future, and the loss of loved ones took
a toll on mental health across the population.
Community solidarity and resilience volunteerism: communities demonstrated resilience
through volunteer efforts, with individuals and organizations providing support to
vulnerable groups, delivering essential goods, and assisting those in need.
Impact on vulnerable groups. elderly and high-risk Individuals, older adults and
individuals with underlying health conditions faced higher risks, leading to heightened
concerns for their well-being.
Impact on traditional customs and celebrations: restrictions on public gatherings and
events affected traditional celebrations and cultural practices, impacting social
interactions and community festivities.
The government implemented strict measures to curb the spread of the virus, including
lockdowns, quarantine measures, and travel restrictions. Public compliance: overall, there
was a high level of public compliance with health guidelines, reflecting a sense of
collective responsibility in the face of the pandemic.
Digital transformation the pandemic accelerated the adoption of digital solutions for
work, education, and daily activities, leading to a shift in societal behavior and reliance
on technology.
5.
Recommendations for enhancing vietnam's response to COVID-19:
Strengthen Prevention Measures: Continue and expand public awareness
campaigns on preventive measures, including mask-wearing, hand hygiene, and social
distancing to increase public awareness. Enhance community engagement through local
leaders, influencers, and community organizations to ensure understanding and
compliance with preventive measures.
Invest in healthcare infrastructure and capacity building, including the training of
healthcare professionals, to handle potential surges in cases. Maintain strategic stockpiles
of medical supplies, including personal protective equipment (PPE), ventilators, and
essential medications. Expand telemedicine services to provide remote consultations,
monitor patients, and reduce the burden on healthcare facilities.
Continue to actively participate in international collaborations for information
sharing, best practices, and lessons learned.
Research and Development: increase investment in research and development for
better understanding of the virus, treatment options, and strategies for managing future
pandemics. Surveillance of zoonotic diseases to enhance surveillance of zoonotic
diseases to identify potential threats at an early stage.
Integrate mental health support into the overall response, recognizing and
addressing the mental health impacts of the pandemic on individuals and communities.
Implementing these recommendations requires a multidimensional approach, involving
collaboration between government agencies, healthcare professionals, communities, and
international partners. Continuous evaluation and adaptation of strategies based on
emerging evidence and challenges will be crucial for an effective response to COVID-19
and future health crises.

6.
In conclusion, the social impact of COVID-19 in Vietnam has been profound, touching
various facets of society. The economic challenges, disruptions in education, mental
health strain, and the impact on vulnerable groups have created a complex landscape.
However, amidst these challenges, Vietnam has demonstrated remarkable resilience and
unity in combating the ongoing pandemic.

The economic downturn and job losses prompted by the pandemic have highlighted the
need for robust social safety nets and support mechanisms. The education sector faced
disruptions, exposing the digital divide, but the swift adoption of online learning
platforms and community support have shown adaptability and innovation.

Mental health strain became a significant concern, but the emergence of community
solidarity, volunteerism, and government initiatives underscored the importance of
collective efforts in fostering resilience. Vulnerable groups, including the elderly and
migrant workers, faced heightened challenges, prompting a call for targeted support and
social inclusion.

The government's proactive response, including strict measures and public compliance,
played a crucial role in containing the virus's spread. The adoption of digital solutions
showcased the nation's adaptability and readiness for a digital future.

As Vietnam navigates the ongoing challenges posed by COVID-19, the collective efforts
of communities, government, and individuals stand out as a beacon of resilience. The
nation's ability to come together, support one another, and adapt to new realities reflects a
spirit that goes beyond the immediate challenges. The commitment to addressing the
social impact of the pandemic and promoting well-being underscores the strength of
Vietnam in facing adversity.

In the face of uncertainties, Vietnam's journey through the pandemic serves as an