As I stated in my holiday message to friends and colleagues, 2020 was certainly a year to remember and, in many respects, one to forget. While there have been some professional silver linings to COVID-19, innovations that we will continue in the post-COVID-19 era, it has been a year of pain and loss for so many people, especially in those countries that failed spectacularly to contain COVID-19.

On the bright side, Viet Nam has managed to successfully contain COVID-19 – to the credit of its people, expat community, and government. As of today, there are 102 active cases in a population of 97+ million. This singular achievement means that life has been relatively “normal” since late April and that Viet Nam is well-positioned for a swift economy recovery in 2021. Here’s another benefit to containing the coronavirus: Thousands ignore 2020 blues, crowd streets for New Year’s Eve. Happy Solar 2021!

Shalom (שלום), MAA