Vinh Market closes 2,500 stalls to prevent and control the spread of disease.

According to reporters' observations, on the morning of January 31st, markets in Vinh City such as Vinh Market, Ga Market, Hung Dung Market, Quan Lau Market, etc., simultaneously closed non-essential kiosks and stalls to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

The main market in Vinh closed on the morning of March 31st. Photo: Quang An

At Vinh Market, the largest market in Nghe An province with over 3,400 stalls, more than 2,500 stalls were closed this morning, mainly selling clothing, shoes, cosmetics, and other goods.

At the main market in Vinh alone, 1,142 kiosks were completely closed from early morning, with only 3 licensed pharmacies remaining open.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Minh, a small business owner selling watches and eyeglasses at Vinh Market, said: "After receiving information about the closure of non-essential businesses, we all agreed and strictly followed the regulations to ensure the health of ourselves and the community. On the evening of March 30th, I mobilized my family members to pack up our goods and close the shop."

Non-essential stalls at Vinh Market were closed and deserted on the morning of March 31st. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Nguyen Huu Dac, Head of the Vinh Market Management Board, said: "Following the directives of the Provincial People's Committee and Vinh City, on the afternoon of March 30th, we broadcast messages via loudspeakers and directly visited business owners, requesting strict adherence to the closure of kiosks selling non-essential goods as instructed. To date, most business owners have complied seriously. After the closure, the Market Management Board's forces will continue to patrol and guard to protect the goods of traders during this temporary closure."

At Ga Market, the second largest market in Vinh City with 1,200 operating stalls, approximately 600 stalls selling non-essential goods were also being closed on the morning of March 31st.

Small business owners and market management boards in Vinh City are closing non-essential stalls. Photo: Quang An

Mr. Le Vinh Hung, Head of the Ga Market Management Board, said: "Despite the public awareness campaign, the closing of stalls was still slow this morning because many traders were still arranging and transporting their goods home. However, the closing will be completed by the end of today."

Other markets such as Hung Dung Market, Quan Lau Market, Ben Thuy Market, etc., are also closing stalls as directed. According to statistics from the Vinh City People's Committee, there are currently 27 operating markets in the city with a total of 8,848 kiosks. The city is currently directing wards and communes to strictly enforce the closure of unnecessary kiosks; any business owner who fails to comply will be subject to penalties according to regulations.

Food and grocery stores remain open as usual. Photo: Quang An

Currently, Nghe An province has 405 active local markets with tens of thousands of stalls. Local authorities are also implementing the closure of non-essential stalls and kiosks to proactively prevent and control the spread of the disease. The closure period will last until April 15th, in accordance with Directive No. 15/CT-TTg of the Prime Minister.