Vietnam ranked 2nd for successfully handling coronavirus pandemic - it barely had to lock down Feb 22, 2021, 09:00 AM facebook email Medical personnel in protective suits conduct swab tests for COVID-19 on the support staff for the Communist Party of Vietnam 13th National Congress at the National Convention Centre in Hanoi on January 29, 2021. NHAC NGUYEN/AFP via Getty Images Vietnam has reported 2,362 coronavirus cases and 35 deaths, despite its population of 97 million. From previous experience, Vietnam had a long-term plan in place to cope with outbreaks. Contact tracing, strategic testing, clear messaging, and mask-wearing prevented mass lockdowns. Countries like New Zealand, Australia, and Taiwan have been praised for the way their leaders acted quickly.