Many 'non-essential' stores are still open

On the fourth day of implementing Prime Minister’s Directive 16 on urgent measures to prevent and combat the Covid-19 epidemic, most of Nghe An people have consciously complied. However, in some localities, there are still kiosks selling non-essential goods.

In compliance with Prime Minister's Directive 16, most kiosks selling non-essential goods have temporarily suspended operations. Photo: Duc Anh

At noon on April 4, traveling along Vinh - Cua Hoi route, connecting Vinh city, Nghi Loc district and Cua Lo town, we noted the awareness of people complying with regulations on trading goods along this major route. Here, most of the food service businesses and kiosks selling non-essential goods such as clothes, shoes, furniture, etc. were closed and stopped operating.

Only the points of sale of essential goods such as food, fuel, and construction materials are still operating normally. The number of people and vehicles on the road has also decreased significantly compared to normal days. This shows the high sense of self-awareness and awareness in preventing and combating the spread of Covid-19.

Some kiosks selling non-essential goods in Nghi Xuan commune (Nghi Loc) are still open (photo taken at 11:30 a.m., April 4). Photo: Duc Anh

Mr. Nguyen Van Nam - a resident of Phuc Tho commune (Nghi Loc) said: "My family and neighbors in the neighborhood and commune have all limited going out, only going out when necessary, temporarily stopping shopping, because food is available, food is also grown at home. Going out and going to many shops at this time means facing a very high risk of being infected with the disease."

However, along the Vinh - Cua Hoi route, there are still some businesses selling non-essential items such as gold, silver, wooden furniture, mobile phones, etc. that are still open. The most are in Nghi Xuan commune (Nghi Loc) and Nghi Hai ward (Cua Lo town).

Some kiosks selling gold, silver, and phones along Vinh - Cua Hoi route are still open. Photo taken at 11:35 on April 4. Photo: Duc Anh

It can be seen that these business owners are ignoring the regulations on social isolation in Directive 16 of the Prime Minister, lacking awareness of complying with the direction of authorities at all levels. This will increase the risk of spreading the Covid-19 epidemic, making it difficult to control and contain in case of an outbreak in the area.

It is known that the authorities of communes and wards have increased propaganda work on loudspeaker systems, established working groups to visit each family to mobilize the implementation of regulations on epidemic prevention and control. However, currently, a few households have not really complied seriously, localities need to continue to mobilize and promptly take deterrent measures.

A worshiping goods business in Nghi Hoa ward (Cua Lo town) is still trading and selling. Photo taken at 10:50 on April 4. Photo: Duc Anh

Previously, on the afternoon of April 3, at the meeting to direct the propaganda work on Covid-19 epidemic prevention and control, comrade Nguyen Xuan Son - Standing Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, Chairman of the Provincial People's Council requested agencies, departments, branches and localities to step up propaganda so that people are fully aware of the risks and ways to prevent and control the epidemic.

From there, strictly comply with regulations on epidemic prevention, especially Directive 16 of the Prime Minister, wear masks in public places, do not gather in crowds, temporarily suspend food service businesses and non-essential goods...