Vietnam’s Ministry of Transport (MOT) has requested to suspend all passenger and cargo flights between Quang Ninh province and foreign destinations, complying with a social distancing order in place in the northern province. 

Vietnam suspends passengers and cargo flights from/to Quang Ninh to prevent Covid-19. Photo: Vietnam Airlines

The suspension started from 12am of January 28.

The decision will be effective until further notice to deter the outbreak of the pandemic in the northern province. The flights between Quang Ninh province and domestic destinations are not affected by the decision.

It was made complying with the Directive No. 05 of the Prime Minister on urgent measures to prevent and control the pandemic on January 28, after 83 community transmission cases of the new variant were found in the two provinces of Quang Ninh and Hai Duong in 24 hours. 

Regarding road transport, the chairmen of the two provinces' people's committees will decide to stop, delay, or adjust the frequency of intra/inter-provincial transport services including the operation of contracted cars, taxis and buses except for special cases.

The ministry also required to minimize the movement of individual vehicles but still ensure the smooth transportation of goods and materials for production.

Passenger vehicles passing through Quang Ninh and Hai Duong provinces are required to make no stops.

Train services are not allowed to pick up or drop off passengers in the two provinces’ stations. The operation of ships and river boats will depend on the decision of the Chairmen of the governments of two localities.