Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi will operate as normal during the time its 3,200 staff will be tested for coronavirus, Deputy Minister of Transport Nguyen Ngoc Dong said at a governmental press conference on February 2.

The deputy minister stressed that at Noi Bai International Airport, all activities are strictly adhering to the anti-pandemic guidelines. People showing any sign of Covid-19 transmission risk would be isolated and their contacts traced in accordance with regulations.

"Currently, the airport situation is under good control and its operation has been normal," said Mr. Dong.

He added that all staff’s health is regularly checked to ensure Covid-19 prevention at the airport.

An airport staff performs body temperature check at the Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Photo: Quang Toan/Kinhtedothi.vn

Earlier, Noi Bai International Airport authorities requested Covid-19 tests for all 3,200 employees after 16 of them came into close contact with a confirmed case.

According to To Tu Ha, the airport’s acting director, besides the 16 employees who have come into close contact with a Covid-19 patient traveling to Japan, hundreds who’ve had indirect contact with the patient have self-isolated at home.

Despite stringent Covid-19 prevention efforts, the airport is facing high risk of Covid-19 infection, he said.

If the infection is detected, it is possible for the airport to be temporarily shut, Mr. Ha warned, noting that the Covid-19 tests for airport employees are urgent and necessary to ensure safety of and confidence among passengers.

The request comes as travel demand is expected to increase ahead of Vietnam’s Tet holiday.

Since January 28, when the latest Covid-19 outbreak began in Vietnam, Noi Bai International Airport has re-scheduled flights to the full observance of social distancing measures applied in check in, security checks and waiting areas. All passengers are required to wear masks and disinfect their hands every 30 minutes.

At the time of writing, Hanoi has recorded 21 Covid-19 cases in the community.