Buzz
As an Operations professional, my mind is filled with processes, procedures, and work instructions. Recently, I had to undergo isolation due to traveling on the same flight as a Covid patient. I was quite impressed with how Vietnam manages the outbreak. This impression stems from two reasons: Firstly, it is genuinely good, and excellence deserves recognition. Secondly, comparing it to my personal experiences with other state management activities, the difference is stark, from procedures to execution.In the following section, I will comprehensively review my real-life experience during the isolation period.
Declaration Process:
Positive Aspects:- I received information about my flight's Covid patient from the official government Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/thongtinchinhphu. Afterward, I proactively called the declaration office to report my situation. Two health workers, fully equipped with protective gear, came to my place to collect detailed information, including dates, times, phone numbers, addresses, of all individuals I had contact with. I must emphasize that these two staff members were exceptionally meticulous in gathering my information, leaving a lasting impression.
- After obtaining the required information, the decision for centralized isolation was promptly made, and I was notified to prepare for isolation. The local health department dispatched a vehicle to sanitize my living area. Everything was completed in about an hour.
- Audit 1: I attempted (pleaded) to be exempted from isolation, as I believed I didn't fall under the high-risk category (thongtinchinhphu listed passengers at risk, and my name wasn't on it). The response from the health authorities was quick and firm—they declined my request. I felt reassured by this decision.
- I felt quite lost in the self-declaration process; both hotline numbers, 0969.082.115 and 0949.396.115, were busy when I called. It took me three attempts to find a local number for declaration online.
- The two individuals collecting information carried two notebooks to manually record my movement details, which seemed laborious. A more straightforward approach could be pre-designed templates or providing a laptop for them to directly input the information.
Positive Aspect:- I was provided with a medical kit including a face mask, gloves, goggles, and received guidance on wearing them correctly by healthcare personnel before moving to the isolation area. The vehicle was sanitized before I stepped out, and I had to wait until the process was complete.
- Upon reaching the isolation area, I was instructed to remove the protective gear and replace the face mask before entering the isolation room. I was informed of the room number and went straight up. The room was prepared and ready for occupancy.
- The isolation area was equipped with cameras and access restriction signs.
- Audit 2: I attempted to leave the isolation room, and immediately received a reminder prompting me to return.
Positive Aspect:- The sampling process was remarkably fast; almost immediately, I underwent the first test upon entering the isolation area (in the afternoon). The results were available by evening (negative). The healthcare personnel conducted the sampling efficiently and without hesitation.
- Audit 3: I tried negotiating due to the approaching Tet holiday, asking if I could leave immediately upon receiving a negative result without completing the isolation period. The staff apologized, stating it was not possible. All my information had already been recorded in the database and must follow the established procedure.
- My personal information was collected once again by another staff member, and the questions asked were repetitive, covering the same ground as my previous responses.
Positive Aspect:- Prompt and precise timing, with room access four times a day: three for meal delivery and one for temperature checks.
- During my second sampling yesterday (still negative), the healthcare personnel mentioned that the sampling time was predetermined by the system, adhering to the scheduled date and time. This indicates a well-organized information management and action directive system. Impressive.
- The isolation area provides wifi with a speed of around 40Mbps, greatly assisting me in managing year-end work tasks.
- Two security personnel, one police officer and one civilian guard, are always present in our area, and they are exceptionally helpful.
- Today, I received a gift of cakes, fresh fruit, and Tet lucky money—touching and heartwarming (image).
- Audit 4: I attempted to inquire about sending items outside (given my excess belongings). Not allowed. All items from outside must go through the hands of the two security personnel (possibly undergoing disinfection) before reaching the isolated individual, and these staff members take their duties seriously.
- All the food provided for isolation is in disposable plastic and nylon. While I understand there may not be many alternatives, disposing of a pile of waste like this every day feels quite regrettable.
View from the isolation area, not a single soul in sight 
Summing Up: I will continue updating my experiences in the upcoming days. However, there are two messages that someone inside the facility like me wants to share with the 500 friends outside:- Process: The isolation and management procedures in Vietnam are genuinely commendable, and there could possibly be an IT system supporting post-pandemic handling.
- Human Element: The individuals involved in operating this process (in my isolation area) are incredibly disciplined and work with high responsibility. This leaves me deeply impressed.
Update after getting out.
