(VOVWORLD) - The border guard force in Quang Ninh province has established checkpoints and camps to control people crossing the border through trails and roads. Their task these days is to prevent the spread of the COVID-19 epidemic.
 Border guard soldiers patrol to detect illegal crossings. (Photo: bienphong.com.vn) |
Major Ho Duc Tue of the Quang Ninh Border Guard Command, stationed at the Bac Son border guard station, is off duty and talking to his wife and children on the phone. He has been in the army for 20 years, and the fight against COVID-19 is just the latest challenge.
He told VOV: “I remember one stormy night a heavy rain blew into camp. Our team of 4 soldiers had to rebuild the camp. We were drenched. We patrol the land and river border to detect illegal crossings, arrest violators, and conduct people to quarantine stations. Since this checkpoint was established, our unit has put about 100 people into quarantine.”
Several checkpoints have been set up along the Kalong River to control illegal border crossings. The soldiers check people’s body temperature to identify individuals who might be carrying the novel corona virus.
 Soldiers and local militias patrol the border area around the clock. (Photo: bienphong.com.vn) |
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thanh Le, Head of the Pò Hèn border guard station, said: “We have set up a 4-ring management mode. Since the epidemic broke out, no one can legally cross the border. First, we identify people who are trying to reach the river bank to cross the border. Second, we have 12 checkpoints along the river to prevent people from crossing. Third, we have temporary posts to check vehicles entering the province. Fourth, we have scouts that constantly update information about possible illegal entries.”
Epidemic prevention and control activities on sea routes have been intensified. Colonel Nguyen The Thao, Political Commissar of the Tra Co border guard station, said: “Border guard activities on land and at sea must be closely coordinated to form an impenetrable circle. We have 10 checkpoints to detect illegal entries and goods smuggling around the clock.”
The border guard force has set up 600 checkpoints and camps along the border with China. The soldiers are on duty day and night, forming an “iron shield” to prevent the coronavirus from penetrating into Vietnam.