"Vietnamese Residents Also Urged to Get Vaccinated" 청와대 Petition Emerges

A Blue House petition requesting vaccination for Vietnamese residents. Photo by Blue House petition board capture

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Choyoung] A petition has appeared on the Blue House's public petition board requesting vaccination for Korean residents in Vietnam. In Vietnam, where the number of COVID-19 cases has recently surged to around 5,000, concerns are growing within the Korean community as a Korean man in his 50s died during COVID-19 treatment and was cremated without permission.

On the 19th, a post titled "I am a mother living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, with my 11-year-old son" was uploaded to the Blue House public petition board.

The petitioner, who identified herself as a resident of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, said, "Currently, Vietnam's daily COVID-19 cases fluctuate around 2,800," and added, "Today, there was an outrageous incident in Ho Chi Minh City."

She stated, "A Korean man in his late 50s tested positive for COVID-19 and was receiving treatment at a hospital in Ho Chi Minh City when he passed away," and "What was even more shocking was that he was cremated within 24 hours without notifying his family."

She continued, "It is a terrifying and absurd situation," and added, "If I were the person involved, my 11-year-old son would not even know that his mother had died in Vietnam."

The petitioner expressed, "Every day, I only see articles in group chats or Vietnamese news, and living with a pounding heart is very difficult, frightening, and nerve-wracking," and lamented, "If I go outside, I might be taken away by the police or have to pay a heavy fine."

She further explained, "Because of the fear of being taken away and separated from my young son, I cannot even go outside my house or to the bank," and appealed, "If the lockdown continues like this, I might not be able to pay the electricity bill, leading to a power cut, or suffer from financial hardship that could cause serious problems at home."

She concluded, "I earnestly ask for consideration of Korean nationals in Vietnam so that vaccinations can be administered as soon as possible," and added, "I hope all Korean nationals here can get vaccinated soon so that this anxious feeling is resolved and our children can freely run and play in a safe environment."

According to Vietnamese health authorities on the 19th, the number of new confirmed cases the previous day reached a record high of 5,887. Since the fourth wave began on April 27, Vietnam has reported a total of 52,164 confirmed cases and has implemented strict social distancing measures. Residents in affected areas must stay home except when purchasing daily necessities, medicines, or going to work.

Jung Eun-kyung, head of the Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA), said at a regular briefing that day in response to related questions, "The vaccines we have introduced are quantities contracted and imported for domestic use," and added, "Sending these vaccines overseas requires consultation and review with pharmaceutical companies."

She further explained, "Vaccination for overseas Korean residents requires practical review with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding vaccination methods and vaccine transportation plans."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.