Overview
International SOS provided in-country emotional and TeleConsultation assistance to a distressed business traveller of a multinational technology corporation during COVID-19.
Problem
The traveller tested positive when approaching the end of his quarantine period in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. He was in an extremely stressful situation when he went from the quarantined hotel to a local hospital to undergo extended quarantine. Furthermore, he was stressed about the inconsistent COVID-19 results in the local hospital. He was made more anxious by a medical condition that a close family member developed back home.
Solution
We received a call from the business traveller. Our Assistance Centre in Ho Chi Minh City immediately supported him with calls to understand his emotional state and needs. A health ambassador was dispatched to send him food and items of comfort. A TeleConsultation was arranged with an emotional support professional to provide him with reassurance.
The business traveller was granted permission to be discharged. Our health ambassador was at the hospital to assist him with the necessary discharge paperwork. He accompanied his transfer to another quarantine hotel while waiting for the required approvals to fly home. Our Assistance Centre continued to work closely with the hospital and local health authorities to ensure the approval of his early return. Within 48 hours, we managed to transfer the traveller back to his home country safely.
Impact
The impact was very positive. We were able to boost the confidence and wellbeing of our client’s employee. Moreover, our on-ground assistance provided both the direct manager and the company itself with peace of mind.