South Korean tourists buy souvenirs in the ancient town of Hoi An. Vietnam will support South Korea’s efforts to protect its citizens in the nation

The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on March 5 confirmed that Vietnam will support South Korea’s efforts to protect its citizens in the nation.

Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang said at a press briefing that Vietnam’s competent agencies will coordinate with the South Korean side to address its requirements, the local media reported.

Vietnam regularly shares information and is willing to assist South Korea to protect its citizens in accordance with international law and practice as well as regulations on infection prevention and control, Hang added.

Earlier, South Korea had announced plans to send three quick response teams to Vietnam on March 5 to assist 276 citizens who have since last week been put in quarantine at military facilities, healthcare centers and hospitals in Vietnam due to concerns over the coronavirus, which is spreading fast in South Korea.

Of the total, 142 people have been quarantined in Hanoi, 112 in HCMC and 22 in Danang.

Each quick response team consists of four members, mostly from the South Korean Ministry of Foreign Affairs and National Police Agency. They will be dispatched to the South Korean Embassy in Hanoi and the Consulate General offices in HCMC and Danang.

The teams planned to stay in Vietnam for a week, but they could extend their stay if needed.

South Korea has nearly 5,800 cases of virus infections, including 39 fatalities as of March 5. SGT

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