(VOVWORLD) - Southern provinces and cities have imposed social distancing under the Prime Minister’s Directive 16. Streets are deserted and only shops selling essential goods are allowed to stay open.
 Many places in Binh Duong province have applied Directive 16 on social distancing. (photo: https://ncov.moh.gov.vn) |
The leaders of Binh Duong province understand that social distancing is necessary in order to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Chairman of the Binh Duong provincial People’s Committee Vo Van Minh said 600 companies in industrial parks have agreed to organize a “3-in-place” strategy – workers will work, eat, and sleep at the factory. Local authorities have organized massive COVID-19 testing to assure safe zones for production.
Ba Ria-Vung Tau province has issued a workers’ travel directive, which requires businesses and factories to arrange transportation for their workers to reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission and make contact tracing easier if any infection is detected.
Eateries and entertainment services in Tra Vinh province have temporarily closed. There are very few vehicles in the streets. All 143 Khmer pagodas have canceled religious events and followers have been asked not to come to the pagodas during 14 days of social distancing.
Most Vulnerable Thach Thao, President of the Patriotic United Buddhist Association of Cau Ke district, said: “Strictly following the Government’s Directive, all religious activities at pagodas have been canceled to avoid large gatherings.”
In An Giang province people only go out to buy food and other essential goods. Nguyen Hoang Diem Thuy of Tan Trung commune, Phu Tan district, said: “People understand the need to comply with Directive 16 because it is designed to protect society, not to benefit any individual. I always remind other people to go out only when it’s really necessary. Otherwise, they should stay at home. When you do go out, you must sanitize your hands and wear a mask.”
Provincial leaders have asked traders to ensure the supply of food to stabilize market prices. Nguyen Trung Kien, Deputy Director of the Vinh Long provincial Department of Industry and Trade, said: "The Department of Industry and Trade has directed distribution networks to coordinate to ensure sufficient goods. Consumer demand has been stable. Goods are available at markets and other outlets at stable prices. The prices of some essential goods have even been reduced.”
With the COVID-19 pandemic rapidly spreading, southern provinces and cities are strictly complying with the Government’s Directive 16, hoping to slow the spread.