Hanoi (VNA) - The firsttwo flights bringing more than 400 tourists stranded in central Da Nang citysince the outbreak in late July safely arrived in Hanoi on August 12.

These are the first of theseven flights specially arranged to bring back nearly 1,500 tourists from 17 provincesand cities in the country to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City between August 12-14,after flights to and from the central city were grounded in late July as partof the city’s social distancing measures to battle the resurgence of COVID-19.

Thousands of Vietnamese flockedto the central coastal city, a popular resort town, in July for summervacations, taking advantage of promotions in a push for domestic tourism after threemonths of no reported local transmissions of COVID-19.

Their vacations were cut short,however, in late July, as news broke over the first local infection found inthe city with a currently unknown source, which marked the explosion of newcases and the country’s first COVID-19 deaths since the beginning of thepandemic.

All tourists coming to theairport must wear masks, face shields, gloves and many even wore fullprotective suits to avoid risks of the virus.

Security personnel and staff atDa Nang International Airport have helped tourists with procedures and ensuredphysical distancing.

The airplanes used during theflights, operated by flag carrier Vietnam Airlines and budget carrier Vietjet,will all be disinfected after landing.

All tourists will be quarantinedon arrival, to prevent transmission in the community, as many returnees from DaNang have been found to be infected with SARS-CoV-2.

Earlier this week, Hanoi-based militaryunits have prepared two army barracks outside Hanoi to receive 1,000 touristsabout to be brought back.

Me Linh COVID-19 treatmenthospital had also prepared 200-250 beds, and could raise the capacity to even1,000 on the orders of the city.

All tourists will betested twice before being released from quarantine.

HCM City’s Department of Health,on the other hand, asked that all registered tourists be tested for coronavirusfirst before going on flights bringing them back to HCM City. They will stillbe quarantined on landing.

Asscheduled, there will be two more flights on August 13, carrying a total of 828passengers, including 799 Vietnamese and 29 foreigners, from Da Nang to Hanoi.

Meanwhile,625 passengers will be flown to HCM City on three flights on August 13 and 14./.