What measures is the largest fishing port in Dien Chau taking to ensure safety during the pandemic?

However, because seafood is an essential commodity during the pandemic, serving the food needs of the people, the authorities could not close the fishing port and had to allow it to operate while strictly controlling who entered and exited.

Lach Van fishing port was crowded at noon on April 10th. Photo: Quang An

According to reporters' observations, at noon on April 10th, boats began returning to the docks and traders flocked to the fishing port to buy seafood. Despite the crowds, most people were conscious of wearing masks when entering and leaving the port.

Mr. Nguyen Van Dung, Vice Chairman of the Dien Ngoc Commune People's Committee, said: "Due to the impact of the pandemic, the number of people entering and leaving the port is now lower than before. All people entering the port will have to wash their hands with disinfectant, have their temperature checked, and will be given masks on the spot. In addition, vehicles entering the port will be thoroughly disinfected to ensure safety."

Traders arriving at the port must stop for health checks. Photo: Quang An

Authorities are checking the body temperature of people entering and leaving the port. Photo: Quang An

Reportedly, due to the large influx of traders, the Dien Ngoc commune authorities have set up two checkpoints at the Lach Van fishing port, each staffed by commune leaders, health officials, border guards, commune police, and the fishing port management board.

Most people at Lach Van port are conscious of wearing face masks. Photo: Quang An

However, according to our reporter's observations, some people are still not strictly complying with the mask-wearing requirement, especially fishermen returning from offshore fishing. These individuals were educated and given free masks by officers from the Dien Thanh Border Guard Station and the Dien Ngoc Commune People's Committee.

Regarding the ban on large gatherings and maintaining a 2-meter distance at Lach Van fishing port, this is currently unavoidable due to the overwhelming number of people. Furthermore, due to the nature of the trading business, whenever boats arrive, the seafood collection points are always crowded with traders inspecting the goods and haggling over prices.

Some fishermen and small traders are still neglecting to wear masks. Photo: Quang An

The leaders of Dien Ngoc commune People's Committee stated: "The situation of large crowds gathering at the fishing port is unavoidable. Therefore, we have instructed the fishing port management board to regularly broadcast messages on loudspeakers, and deployed personnel to remind and urge people not to push or shove, and to maintain distance from each other."

Furthermore, all those entering the port have undergone thorough medical checks at the entrance. Those exhibiting symptoms such as coughs or fevers, or failing to strictly adhere to disease prevention measures, are resolutely denied entry. Therefore, the situation at the fishing port remains basically under control.

Border guards at Dien Thanh commune station distribute free face masks to fishermen. Photo: Quang An.

It is reported that starting tomorrow (April 11th), Dien Ngoc commune will begin fining people who do not wear face masks at the fishing port, instead of just reminding them as before. To date, Dien Ngoc commune has fined 8 individuals who, despite being reminded, still did not wear face masks, with a fine of 200,000 VND per person.