Ian Gibbons thanked local authorities for helping ensuring the safety of British nationals, saying that “Although in a complex situation of public health emergency, the city departments have dealt with a number of consular enquiries from us and other consulates with patience and professionalism.”

According to Gibbons, the consulate received useful and informative guidance from municipal authorities, enabling them to seek support from the hospitals and quarantine sites for British nationals.

He particularly expressed deep thanks to the HCM City Hospital of Tropical Disease and Cho Ray Hospital over the excellent care for the pilot named Stephen Cameron.

“They have worked tirelessly and spared no efforts in helping him during the time he has been critically ill in hospital. Your results speak for themselves as we’ve seen by the increasing global recognition Vietnam is rightly receiving for its efforts to tackle COVID-19,” he wrote.

At the end of the letter, Gibbons noted “We have been in very close touch with all the relevant authorities throughout the time the patient became unwell. We could not have asked for better treatment. Once again, my sincere and personal thanks to all involved in his care.

The British pilot has also seen a slight health improvement following long treatment in HCM City. A lung transplant will be carried out on him when his health is ensured.