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new infected cases were diagnosed. The main source of infection in this period was from
international flights. The predominant countries of origin were England (54), France (18), and the
USA (13). As of 24 April 2020, the number of confirmed cases spread to 29 provinces and cities.
However, the two biggest cities, including Hanoi (112 cases) and Ho Chi Minh (55 cases), account
for the largest number of cases. (Quang Van Nguyen, 2021)
Beside that, in this assignment, I will delve deeper into the social aspects of Vietnam that
have been affected, specifically the economy, employment, and education. In the healthcare sector,
there has been a severe shortage of manpower along with inadequate infrastructure to cope with
the disease situation. Meanwhile, the economy has suffered deficits in various aspects, but there
have also been advancements in the transportation sector, particularly in the widespread adoption
and development of online delivery and ordering services. Lastly, the education system has
undergone significant changes, leading to pronounced disparities among student groups due to the
altered forms of education.
As the pandemic continued to evolve with complex developments, the Ministry issued
further directive document 988/BGDĐTGDĐH on March 23, 2020, aimed at standardizing the
implementation of online training and recognizing accumulated learning outcomes. While
universities were hesitant and passive, adopting cautious measures and exploring options to cope
with the pandemic, the Ministry of Education and Training promptly provided a legal basis for
educational institutions to transition to non-face-to-face training. This demonstrates the directive
role of the Ministry of Education and Training in guiding the decisions of universities, especially
in the context of health crises related to the pandemic. Regarding the management of online
teaching and learning processes, at university-level educational institutions where online learning
is organized, participation in teaching and learning is mandatory (according to 94.2% of survey
respondents), with 45.7% stating that online learning can completely replace face-to-face learning.
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There are differences in mandatory regulations for online learning between public and private
universities. The software applications utilized in online teaching at universities are extremely
diverse, depending on the preparation and conditions of each institution. Among them, Microsoft
Teams is the most widely used by instructors (chosen by 30.6% of users), followed by Zoom with
27.4% adoption rate. Learning Management Systems (LMS) are chosen by 15% of users, Google
Meet by 9%, Skype by 7.9%, and 3.4% opt for livestreaming via Facebook. Only 0.5% choose to
use Viettel Study and VNPT Learning software, while the remainder use other software such as
Google Classroom, Zalo, Trans, Hangout, or software developed by the universities themselves.
The fact that only about 1% use domestically originated software indicates limitations in research
and deployment of educational technology within the country. Additionally, reliance on foreign
technology may lead to difficulties in implementation due to dependence on international internet
connections, as well as challenges in cybersecurity control (Hoàng, 2022).
Along with the rapid transition to online formats, several challenges and difficulties have
emerged for education in Vietnam as follows:
When conducting online training, universities also face challenges from students and the
school's management system. For students, a significant barrier is the lack of end-user devices
(smartphones, computers) and internet systems in some areas, which have not reached every
household. The opportunity to access the internet, and even television, varies greatly among
families and learners. Additionally, even if they have the necessary devices and internet systems,
inadequate proficiency in using information technology can reduce the effectiveness of online
teaching and learning. The learning resources of students are not standardized, and many students
do not have computers for studying, leading to a decrease in the quality of learning. In the context
of having to implement online training in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many lecturers
have encountered issues with information technology. In some universities, some teachers have
had to delegate their classes to the Department, and the Department of specialized management has
had to arrange for teachers who are more proficient in using technology to replace them. The
workload overload of lecturers with good information technology skills and the feeling of being
"left behind" by lecturers who cannot meet the requirements for applying information technology
in teaching are issues that many universities are facing. When students do not attend school, it also
means that the school does not have a source of income, while organizational and teaching activities
still need to continue in an online format to maintain the school's operations. Private institutions
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are facing significant difficulties in sustaining activities and being able to pay a portion of salaries
to staff and lecturers. Meanwhile, for students in remote, border, island areas where access to
television and the internet is limited, or for first-grade students, online teaching and learning are
even more challenging.
The COVID-19 pandemic has revealed significant risks when supply chains for essential
products and equipment are disrupted due to the extensive global supply chain network. The issues
with global goods, services, and labor circulation have disrupted economic, commercial, and
investment activities, rendering them less smooth and efficient. Many supply chains overly rely on
China's manufacturing centers and major markets. The global production network has experienced
unprecedented disruptions. High concentration levels have led to severe disruptions in global
supply chains, resulting in a decline in international trade. A World Bank Group (WBG) report
shows that in 2020, global GDP decreased by 5.2%, marking the deepest recession in eight decades
(1940 - 2020). Among the 14 global recessions, the recession caused by the COVID-19 pandemic
is ranked fourth in terms of depth, leading to a decrease in the share of merchandise trade from
13% to 32% in 2020. (PGS, 2022)
Firstly, disruptions in the regional supply chain have led to a slowdown in manufacturing
and business activities in Vietnam: China has halted customs clearance at border gates with
Vietnam and strengthened border management to prevent the spread of COVID-19, resulting in
significant difficulties in exporting goods to China, especially agricultural and aquatic products.
The sectors most severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic include textiles, retail, aquaculture,
oil and gas, securities, seaports and transportation, airport services, and aviation. Particularly,
Vietnam's key manufacturing and export sectors heavily depend on input materials from China and
thus are most affected by the shortage of input materials and disruptions in the supply chain due to
limited alternative sources. Despite many Chinese factories reopening, the inspection of imported
goods from China is stricter, leading to continued material shortages for many Vietnamese
manufacturing sectors. As Vietnam's largest trading partner, when China's purchasing power
declines, the Vietnamese economy will suffer greater damage compared to other economies of
similar scale in the region.
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Secondly, the disruption of trade supply chains has led to a reduction in manufacturing
activities in the processing and manufacturing sector: Due to the impact of the pandemic, supply
markets for raw materials and production have been disrupted, affecting supply chains in the
manufacturing industry and extending throughout the region due to China's dominant role as a
manufacturing base. The closure of thousands of factories in China implies that manufacturing
activities will be disrupted in countries using components manufactured in China. Even companies
not directly connected to China are affected. Processing and manufacturing industries face
numerous challenges in production activities due to the direct impact of the COVID-19 pandemic
on import-export markets and the consumption market of raw materials. Many partners in various
countries have ceased transactions, and some have even requested the cancellation of previously
signed orders. In this context, businesses are forced to proactively reorganize their structures,
production lines, and seek solutions to overcome difficulties and obstacles. The processing and
manufacturing industry for exportation must deal with a situation where foreign orders continue to
decline. In 2020, the export turnover of manufactured goods in Vietnam decreased across the board.
Thirdly, the disruption of the supply-demand chain for employment leads to an increase in
unemployment rates: Not only is there a risk of disrupting the supply chain of raw materials, but
the COVID-19 pandemic has also made the risk of breaking the labor supply-demand chain more
imminent. In April 2020, about over 30 million Vietnamese workers (equivalent to about 50% of
the labor force) were affected during the peak period of social distancing. According to the Ministry
of Labor, Invalids and Social Affairs, in the second quarter of 2020, the urban unemployment rate
increased by 33%, and the average income of workers decreased by 5%. In June 2021, the labor
force working in industrial enterprises decreased by 1.4% compared to May 2021 and decreased
by 1% compared to the same period in 2020. In February 2021, the more difficult-to-control
outbreak of the fourth wave of the COVID-19 pandemic led to a significant increase in
unemployment and job shortages in the second quarter of 2021. Specifically, the number of
unemployed people reached nearly 1.2 million, and the number of people lacking jobs was about
1.1 million. The unemployment rate of the working-age population in urban areas increased by
2.8%, higher than the increase in rural areas, which was about 2.49%. In the second quarter of
2021, the number of employed workers decreased by 65,000 people. Both the unemployment and
job shortage rates among the working-age population increased. With the increase in unemployed
and jobless workers, businesses faced difficulties due to labor shortages. In the processing and
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manufacturing industry, 26.7% of businesses were unable to recruit workers as required. Despite
the increasing unemployment and job shortages, businesses were unable to find enough workers.
This indicates signs of a breakdown in the labor supply-demand chain, directly affecting the
production output of goods and the provision of services, leading to a disruption in the supply of
goods and services to the market.
The results show that 88% of households were affected in terms of employment in July 2021,
and 63.5% of households experienced a reduction in income of 30% or more compared to the pre-
pandemic period (December 2019). Households engaged in tourism, restaurants, hotels, and
passenger transportation were the most severely affected. The non-economic impacts were also
significant, with 66.4% of households worrying about the impact of Covid-19. Among them,
female heads of households had a higher rate of mental health issues than male heads (81.6% versus
62.8%). Cutting expenses was the most common measure used by 79.4% of households, with most
of the reductions related to food, with 71% of households reducing food portions, 51.2% reducing
the number of meals per day, and 17.7% reducing the number of meals per day. Food shortages
were often observed in vulnerable households, those who lost their jobs for several months,
especially among migrants, and more severely in households with young children... (Nguyễn Minh
Hải, 2021)
The government has implemented various policies and educational programs for both
parents and students on social issues during the Covid pandemic to minimize the psychological
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burden and health risks for each family member. In terms of awareness, it is essential for all family
members to understand that, at present, anyone can be affected by the disease under any
circumstances and it can spread from one person to another. Therefore, it is crucial to avoid
subjective psychology, especially after the gradual reopening of cities and many people have
received two doses of the Covid-19 vaccine.
Additionally, every family should always have contingency plans for different situations, such as
how to isolate other family members if someone is infected; how children should behave if their
parents are ill; how to care for a child who is infected; what to do if the whole family is infected,
etc. With the right mindset and response plans to the pandemic, families will be more proactive
and avoid feelings of panic, leading to timely responses to the disease's progression or inappropriate
actions that may increase risks. Building a happy family requires many factors, foremost among
them being the safety and well-being of all members. After experiencing a pandemic with
significant damage, dealing with the pandemic specifically and other risks in general needs to be
given more attention, including providing each family with the necessary knowledge and skills to
cope. This should also be considered as a solution for building a sustainable happy family.
The COVID-19 pandemic in Vietnam has directly impacted the labor market and
employment across all sectors and regions, from rural to urban areas. The most significant impact
was observed in the second quarter of 2020 when the situation became increasingly complex, with
many dangerous community infections and particularly stringent social distancing measures. These
measures led to a significant increase in unemployment rates. The economy experienced
stagnation, leading many businesses to suspend, downsize, or cease operations altogether, resulting
in a record-high unemployment rate among the working-age population in the past five years.
Consequently, many workers had to leave the labor market, which is understandable given the
circumstances. This situation has created a series of challenges in maintaining livelihoods and
generating income for workers, especially those in economically disadvantaged rural and urban
areas. The government needs to continue promoting support measures and policies to mitigate the
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impact of the pandemic on the labor situation and create more favorable conditions for the recovery
and development of the economy post-pandemic.
The Vietnamese economy has been severely affected by the pandemic, with GDP growth
dropping from 7.08% in 2018 to 2.91% in 2020 and further to 2.58% in 2021. The employment
situation in Vietnam has also been significantly impacted by the pandemic. According to Hong
Quyen (2022), the unemployment rate in Vietnam reached 3.22% in 2021, despite the government
implementing flexible policies to sustain production during the pandemic.(Lê Thị Quỳnh Nhung,
2023)
COVID-19 has had a major impact on employment in Vietnam, leading to an increase in the
unemployment rate among workers. While there was no significant difference in the increase in
unemployment by gender during the period 2016-2019, the rise in the unemployment rate in 2020
was higher for women, resulting in a noticeable gender gap over the five-year period from 2016 to
2020. Research indicates that the pandemic's impact on female unemployment is more severe than
on male unemployment, exacerbating gender inequality issues in Vietnam.
To overcome and minimize the consequences of this situation, the government has promptly
implemented the following solutions:
Strengthen the use of investment capital (mainly from national reserves, additional foreign
loans) to accelerate the progress of infrastructure construction and improvement, including
irrigation, transportation, and hydroelectricity. Rearrange and enhance the efficiency of the
employment service system, along with socializing and improving the quality of vocational training
for workers. Create new jobs for unemployed workers in the manufacturing and business sectors,
relax financial policies, reform administrative procedures to attract foreign investment. Support
and mobilize vaccination campaigns for the population to achieve herd immunity. Implement
policies to extend or exempt taxes, fees, rent, and reduce prices of electricity, water, fuel,
telecommunications charges, gas, etc
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III. Opportunities and Challenges
1. Opportunities
Vietnam has always been recognized as a country capable of quickly adapting to
circumstances. To demonstrate this, the government has devised plans to break through the
country's difficulties.
Firstly, it aims to accelerate the process of transitioning to a growth model that is more
sustainable, comprehensive, and greener. For Vietnam, green growth is an essential component of
sustainable development, involving a closely integrated and balanced approach between economic
and social development and environmental protection. This is particularly important as Vietnam is
one of the countries heavily impacted by climate change, natural disasters, diseases, and various
external factors.
Secondly, to mitigate the risk of falling behind, there's a concerted effort to accelerate the
digital transformation process, build a digital society, implement digital governance, and foster a
digital economy. COVID-19 has posed many challenges, as well as opportunities, to expedite the
digital transformation process, develop online public services, digital healthcare, digital education,
cashless payments, e-commerce, and digitize supply chains.(Nhật Nam, 2022)
Thirdly, encouraging innovation and entrepreneurship: The pandemic has spurred creativity
and innovation in business and entrepreneurship. Many individuals have sought ways to adapt and
develop new business models, from online services to manufacturing essential goods during the
pandemic. Opportunities for international cooperation: Collaborating with other countries in
pandemic prevention and control not only strengthens diplomatic relations but also opens up
opportunities for cooperation in other areas such as healthcare, science and technology, and trade.
Fourth, increasing awareness of public health and community health: The pandemic has
heightened awareness of the importance of public health and community health. This creates an
opportunity to improve the healthcare system, train healthcare personnel, and invest in research
and development in healthcare.
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2. Challenges
Challenges that COVID-19 has brought to Vietnamese society are multifaceted, impacting
various aspects of daily life. Below are some of the main challenges:
Challenges in healthcare: Vietnam's healthcare system has faced immense pressure from
treating and controlling the pandemic. Ensuring adequate medical facilities, equipment, and
healthcare personnel is one of the top challenges. COVID-19 has provided an opportunity to
encourage everyone to pay attention to holistic health, including emotional and mental well-being.
Self-care practices such as exercise, yoga, and meditation may become more prevalent to help
people maintain good health. The pandemic has created an opportunity for countries to collaborate
more closely in the field of healthcare, from sharing information and experiences to coordinating
research and implementing prevention and control measures.
Economic challenges: The pandemic has caused economic recession, reducing production
and consumption, increasing unemployment rates, and decreasing income for many households
and businesses. The economy struggles to recover and develop post-pandemic. Social challenges:
COVID-19 has caused anxiety and tension within the community, especially in outbreak areas.
Lockdowns and social distancing measures may lead to feelings of isolation and psychological
instability for some individuals. COVID-19 has driven innovation and creativity in business and
manufacturing. Enterprises have had to adapt to the new situation by creating new products and
services, or adjusting their business models to respond to emerging market demands. Increased
awareness of the importance of the healthcare system has led to stronger investment in the
healthcare and biotechnology sectors. This could create opportunities for the development of the
healthcare and pharmaceutical industries.
Educational challenges: School closures and the shift to online learning have created
difficulties in accessing education for students. Disparities in learning conditions and internet
access are particular concerns. With online platforms, educators can better tailor learning
experiences to individual student needs. Adaptive learning algorithms can analyze student
performance data to provide personalized recommendations and interventions. This personalized
approach to education can improve student engagement and achievement by addressing their
specific learning styles and pace. COVID-19 has underscored the value of lifelong learning and
continuous skill development in a rapidly changing world. With many professionals facing career
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transitions or job disruptions due to the pandemic, there is a growing recognition of the need to
upskill or reskill to stay competitive. Online learning platforms offer convenient and accessible
opportunities for individuals to acquire new knowledge and competencies throughout their lives.
Security and order challenges: Social distancing measures and travel restrictions may
facilitate an increase in crime rates, especially in areas with unemployment and economic hardship.
Addressing these challenges requires close coordination and flexible responses from the
government, community, and social organizations to solve and overcome them. COVID-19 has
posed challenges to border security and immigration control as countries implement travel
restrictions and health screening measures to contain the spread of the virus. The management of
international borders has become more complex, requiring coordination between health authorities,
border agencies, and other stakeholders to balance public health concerns with the facilitation of
essential travel and trade. Lockdown measures and social distancing protocols have strained law
enforcement agencies' ability to maintain public order effectively. Police forces have faced
challenges in enforcing quarantine measures, ensuring compliance with health regulations, and
managing public gatherings while minimizing the risk of virus transmission. This disruption has
sometimes led to tensions between law enforcement and the public.
IV. Suggestions
Government of Vietnam has implemented a series of measures and solutions to cope with
the COVID-19 pandemic since its outbreak began to spread. These measures have not only focused
on controlling the disease but also on minimizing its negative impacts on the economy and people's
lives. Below are some solutions that the government has implemented to deal with the COVID-19
pandemic:
The healthcare sector has mobilized all resources and implemented urgent measures to
prevent and control the pandemic. This includes issuing specialized guidelines for effective contact
tracing, testing, organizing reception and tiered treatment, implementing remote consultation and
treatment services, and enhancing emergency response and treatment capacity for COVID-19
patients. Healthcare workers have shown dedication and bravery in the face of challenges, always
at the forefront of the COVID-19 response. Measures have been taken to provide COVID-19
prevention and treatment, including vaccination, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, providing
sufficient medical equipment to healthcare facilities, and bolstering the healthcare workforce.
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Social security and livelihood assurance have been ensured through timely implementation of
supportive policies for workers and employers affected by the pandemic, as directed and organized
by the Government through resolutions and decisions of the National Assembly, the Standing
Committee of the National Assembly, the Government, and the Prime Minister. Following the
fourth wave of the outbreak, with a significant increase in COVID-19-related deaths, especially in
southern provinces and cities, the Government has directed the development of support policies for
children orphaned due to COVID-19. The impact of the pandemic on health, physical and mental
well-being, and social psychology has been substantial but not yet fully assessed. Employment,
income, and the lives of workers have been severely affected, especially those in poor households,
near-poor households, and vulnerable groups. To adapt to the COVID-19 pandemic and ensure the
right to education for students, the Government has flexibly implemented various forms of online
learning, television-based learning, high school graduation exams, and the commencement of the
new academic year in line with social distancing requirements. It has also mobilized social
resources to support these efforts.
V. Conclusion
The COVID-19 pandemic has presented a myriad of multidimensional challenges to
Vietnamese society, affecting various aspects of daily life. However, the government has
implemented numerous measures and solutions to cope with this disease. The healthcare sector has
effectively deployed prevention and control measures, successfully treating many patients. The
government has also implemented supportive policies to minimize the negative impact on the
economy and people's lives, especially for poor households and vulnerable groups. Nevertheless,
there are still many challenges that need to be overcome, and the support and coordination between
the government, community, and social organizations are crucial in this process. Above all,
maintaining solidarity and readiness to respond will help Vietnam overcome this pandemic and
recover strongly thereafter. The government has promptly reviewed and evaluated relevant
documents and regulations related to pandemic prevention and control to timely amend and
supplement them within its authority or propose to the National Assembly and the National
Assembly Standing Committee for consideration of amendments and supplements, ensuring strict
compliance with the law, feasibility, consistency, and coherence of the legal system, in line with
practical situations to maximize effectiveness. Measures have been taken to ensure discipline and
administrative integrity; enhance inspection, supervision, and strict handling of violations; and
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timely commend individuals and units with achievements in COVID-19 prevention and control
work. The achievements in COVID-19 prevention and control have significantly contributed to
facilitating the recovery and revitalization of the socio-economic situation across various sectors.
Macroeconomic stability has been maintained, inflation has been controlled, major balances have
been ensured, and growth is at a high. Agricultural and industrial production continue to recover
and develop; energy security and food security are ensured; and the labor market is showing
positive signs of recovery. (Chính Phủ, 2023)
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