Trading atmosphere at shops, eateries, traditional markets and supermarkets across Da Nang has been more bustling than the 3-week period of social distancing.

The Hoa Khanh Market

The purchasing power of residents at the Hoa Khanh Market in Lien Chieu District has increased by over 50% compared to the period of social distancing.

Market stall holder Nguyen Thi Huong said the Hoa Khanh Market has seen an increasing number of market-goers after the city’s schools reopened on 4 May. Huong also said that the amount of goods sold during the recent days is estimated to reach 70% compared to the period of time before the coronavirus pandemic began in Da Nang.

Ms Phan Thi Vinh, the owner of an eatery in alley No34/2 on Ngo Si Lien in Lien Chieu District’s Hoa Khanh Bac Ward, expressed excitement about reopening after 3-month-long closure due to Covid-19.

Vinh said that her eatery serves a daily average of between 50 and 60 students from the municipal University of Science and Technology, and this is the main source of income of her family. During the 3-month closure, her family financially struggled amid the coronavirus crisis. Therefore, she hoped that the outbreak would end soon to allow life in Da Nang to get back to normal.

Currently, many eateries along Ho Nghinh, Ha Ky Ngo and Pham Van Dong in Son Tra District are reopening.

Director of the city’s Co.op Mart Da Nang Phan Thong said the purchasing power of local residents at his supermarket has rose by between 5 and 10% over recent days.

He noted although his supermarket cannot go back to business as usual in the wake of the coronavirus, the increasing purchase power shows largely positive signs of the city’s economic recovery.

Head of the Management Board of the Con Market Nguyen Dac Hung said that most of market stalls have resumed operations. However, preventive measures against the further spread of the virus remain in place in the market. In particular, market-goers and market stallholders are required to wear face coverings, clean their hands often, and keep a safe distance from others.

By KHANH HOA, VAN HOANG - Translated by MAI DUNG