[VNA] How did we face COVID-19?

By Duong Van Giang – Photographer

One of the most outstanding events during the news campaign surrounding COVID-19 was the coverage of Vietnam’s repatriation of citizens, including workers, students, and officials, who had been stranded in Wuhan, China. The Vietnam News Agency came up with a plan to assign reporters to cover the arrival of these citizens. As reporters, we are always eager to take on any new mission. Covering the SARS-CoV-2 virus, however, was different. As we waited for the landing of the plane carrying the Vietnamese citizens at Van Don Airport in northern Quang Ninh province at 3am on February 10, we swapped stories about prevention and plans for our mission. To meet the stringent requirements on pandemic prevention and control, we were equipped with protective suits, face masks, rubber gloves, boots, and eyeglasses. From medical staff to airport staff, all were in tight suits. Only acquaintances could recognise each other via voice and body shape. Late a couple of hours, Vietnam Airlines’ flight HVN68 carrying 48 passengers, including 30 Vietnamese citizens from Wuhan and 15 crew members and medical staff, finally touched down at Van Don at 5am. A bus took them away to a quarantine and sterilisation area. Reporters covered their every move. Though anxious at not being able to immediately send images and videos to our office, we had to follow equipment sterilisation requirements. As soon as we were in a safe area, however, we sent what we had and then relaxed for a while. The trip was truly memorable and an unforgettable experience. VNA photographer covers the event of 30 Vietnamese citizens repatriated from Wuhan city (China) doing immigration procedures at Van Don airport (Quang Ninh province) at dawn February 10, 2020.