Despite the epidemic, Vinh city residents rushed to buy and stock up.

On the afternoon of June 18, people in Vinh city flocked to the market to shop. This made many people worried about the spread of the disease due to large gatherings in the context of the complicated development of the epidemic, with positive cases continuously being announced. Photo: Thu Huyen

Le Hong Son Street was crowded with people buying food and groceries on the afternoon of June 18. Photo: Quang An

Crowding to buy pork at Hung Dung market even though pork was unsold this morning. Photo: Thu Huyen

Vegetable stalls at Ben Thuy market are also packed with people. Photo: Quang An

At grocery stores, people rushed to buy and stock up. Store owners said that sales increased dramatically, with many items such as instant noodles and hand sanitizer sold out. The shopping atmosphere was even more intense than at a Tet market. Photo: Thu Huyen

The number of shoppers at supermarkets has also increased dramatically. Photo: Quang An

Faced with the situation of people rushing to buy goods, Ms. Tran Thi My Ha - Head of Trade Management Department, Department of Industry and Trade said: People rushing to buy goods like that is not advisable, especially in the context of complicated epidemic developments.

To proactively cope with the Covid-19 epidemic, the Department of Industry and Trade has issued many documents directing supermarkets, shopping centers, businesses trading and distributing goods in Nghe An province to have plans to reserve goods. Accordingly, the supply of essential goods in the area is guaranteed in terms of quantity and price, people can rest assured to prevent and fight the epidemic, and not have the mentality of buying and hoarding goods. In all situations, the province ensures adequate supply of goods for people.

It is understood that the reason for the above situation is that since early afternoon, rumors have appeared on social networks that the province will implement social distancing according to Directive 16 for Vinh city. However, according to Directive 16 of the Government on epidemic prevention and control measures, people are still allowed to go out when absolutely necessary, and stores and supermarkets selling essential goods such as food, groceries, and medicine are still operating normally to serve the people.