Panacea Life Sciences Holdings Inc (PLSH)

[nealhugh]

Vietnam---Vietnam
Note: My daughter has been teaching in Vietnam.
RE: American Educator Living and Working in Vietnam During the COVID-19 Pandemic (I edited this. Neal)
March 20, 2020
BY Myles L. Lynch

After graduating from the University of New Hampshire in 2019, I moved to Hanoi, Vietnam and have been living here for the past 10 months. I found an apartment, bought a motorbike, and have been clumsily navigating social situations with limited Vietnamese proficiency.
I made the choice to move to Hanoi for an opportunity to work for an education technology company--- Point Avenue (https://www.pointavenue.com/vi/trang-chu/).

Although I am currently living in Vietnam, I catch myself focusing on how the United States has responded to the outbreak. As I read the headlines and see pictures of empty supermarkets and mass panic, I catch myself feeling somewhat smug.
I think: 'Social isolation was encouraged over two months ago in Vietnam' and 'I can’t believe American schools are still open'.
Regardless of these feelings, the only path forward is to adhere to proven best practices and guidance. Vietnam was prepared for the outbreak and most importantly took quick and necessary measures to reduce its impact. Furthermore, many Vietnamese people focus on community engagement which leads to mutual understanding and support of human basic needs.

Vietnam has done an exceptional job aggressively enacting preventative measures to help mitigate the effects and spread of COVID-19. As of March 20, there are 87 cases and 0 deaths in the entire country (Johns Hopkins Corona Virus Resource Center).
Given the proximity of Hanoi, Vietnam to the initial outbreak area (1358 km or 844 miles: Wuhan, China) and the size of the country (95.54 million), these results are impressive.
In general, people in Vietnam have been listening to the guidance from the government and holding each other accountable to meet these standards.

Most bars and nightclubs are closed (or have strict curfews). Restaurants have limited hours (most public places are vacant).
Most events have been canceled (concerts, festivals, sporting events, etc.).
My roommate is in a band and all his shows have been canceled.

Everyone is required to wear a protective mask in public places.
All schools have been closed since mid-January (8+ weeks) and closures are continuing until at least mid-April when the situation will be re-assessed.
Mass street cleaning efforts and general sanitation.
Regular communication from the government to the general public (multiple languages and platforms).
The Vietnamese messaging app Zalo (similar to Skype, WeChat, Line, Facebook Messenger, Viber) and the ride-sharing app Grab (similar to Uber/Lyft) have been vital for communicating current health messaging/announcements.

Mandatory 14-day quarantine for all people entering Vietnam (as of March 18). Only residents and temporary residents are allowed into the country. Conditions have been reported to be quite good in the quarantine facility (See article here: https://vietnaminsider.vn/life-inside-a-coronavirus-quaran…/)
Promotion of social isolation, reduction of public gatherings, tight border control, and immediate response to the initial outbreak has been effective (these practices were adopted fairly early in the outbreak timeline).
Vietnamese production and promotion of public health song.

The majority of the Expats that I know come from my workplace, basketball, volleyball, and events in Hanoi. Most Expats originate from South Africa, Ireland, New Zealand, England, USA, Canada...

Many expats work in the education industry and are leaving Vietnam due to school closures, reduced teaching hours.
Expats that work or own restaurants/bars are becoming financially crippled...
The majority of schools are extending their year into the summer...This will cause disruption for summer-based and tourist industries (resorts, summer camps, coastal towns, etc.).
Schools host academic courses online. We are in the process of creating a best practice guide for online teaching and use the platform Zoom for content delivery.
Expats are feeling anxious because of the uncertainty of their job, family, and future.
With people generally staying indoors, the roads, malls, and parks are significantly less crowded (at most businesses there is a mandatory temperature check upon entry).
Many expats cannot afford rent and have either moved to more affordable housing/shared living or have left the country.
Many expats are bored. When I ask what they are doing the majority say "Nothing" or "Not too much". Right now it is a waiting game and no one has a clear picture of when this will end.

For now, I feel incredibly safe in Hanoi. I believe the Vietnamese government (as well as my employer) has gone above and beyond to ensure the safety and health for all people...
I am concerned about the US State announcement that all American citizens living abroad should consider coming home (as of March 19).
I feel that most people are taking precautionary measures to prevent outbreaks via social distancing, washing hands, face mask use, daily temp checks, etc.
I believe many Expats are overstaying their visas because they may not have anywhere else to go.

I feel prepared. All groceries/necessities (including toilet paper) are easy to procure in Hanoi. There is no shortage of supplies and supermarkets are well stocked. However, who knows what will happen a week from now...
I have new apartment guidelines that require advanced notification and a limited number of guests (max 3 visitors at any given time). Many apartments do not allow any visitors.
Prior to the outbreak, my apartment building gate was always open. However, the front door is now locked at an earlier time and security guards are more alert/responsive throughout the neighborhood.
In our digital age, we may need to re-think how we provide education beyond the classroom walls. In other words, it is paramount that we critically think about student and parent engagement strategies. I recommend reading my uncle Art's book on the transformation of education for the digital age: (http://www.lulu.com/…/make-…/paperback/product-24292168.html) in which he articulates the incorporation of technology in the classroom.

Kevin Stone Amadeus Collard Thao Hoang Vincent Nédélec Tom Irving Alyssa Sohn
Danny Hwang
I'm excited for us to deliver the highest quality of service to our families for our summer programs in both Hanoi and Bangkok!
Phuong Linh Nguy?n Truong
HR Generalis at Point Avenue
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My daughter says she is leaving Vietnam in April if possible; she stopped teaching in February.
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Neal H. Hurwitz

212-666-6217 Verizon
646-884-0594 BlackBerry
917-499-6251 Soraya Zuluaga Correa, office

New York, New York
Medellin
Israel
Thank you!
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