It cannot be denied that business community in Da Nang has played an important role in driving the city’s economy development by creating job opportunities for local residents and making significant contributions to the city's budget.

Not only that, after Da Nang saw a second wave of Covid-19 infections late last month, many of them have showed their willingness to join the efforts with the municipal authorities to fight against the pandemic.

Notable amongst them is Ms Tran Thi Be, a hotel manager. During the city’s tourism peak season, she is always busy with the management of up to 6 hotels at the same time.

When Da Nang faced a first wave of Covid-19 infections in March, the city government imposed the closure of all serviced accommodation establishments during the nationwide 3-week social distancing period. At that time, stranded foreign nationals found it very difficult to look for accommodation in Da Nang.

However, the Ngu Hanh Son District-based Yen Vy Hotel, under the management of Ms Be, was allowed by the municipal authorities to provide temporary accommodation for foreigners who were stuck in Da Nang during that period.  

Similarly, after Da Nang embraced for a second wave of Covid-19 late July, she has used the Maison Phuong Hotel on Ha Bong Street as a temporary accommodation for travellers stuck in the city.

Ms Be said that these guests had their temperatures measured daily, and were encouraged to practising the city’s social distancing rules, during their stay at her hotel. In addition, they were provided with free essential items, and had their room rates reduced.

However, when the city has been in need of a hotel used as a temporary isolation site for medical workers, Ms Be has been running herself ragged trying to find another place for her guests staying at the Maison Phuong Hotel in a bid to use this hotel for the quarantine purpose.

“During the complicated developments of the deadly disease, the sudden relocation of accommodation has made some guests annoyed and unhappy. However, we have tried to explain our city’s difficulties to our guests. As a result, her guests have understood and they have been willing to support the city in the dfficult times”, said Ms Be.

Every day, Ms Tran My Quyen, a tour operator at the Viet Pilgrim Travel Company, goes to isolation sites and residential areas under lockdown in order to provide essential supplies, donated from generous philanthropists, for those in need.

Till date, she has received and distributed food and other essential support, totalling more than 50 million VND, to those struggling financially as a result of coronavirus.. The donations include bottles of drinking water, milk boxes, plastic mats, foldable beds, face shields, rice, fruits, face masks and protective gloves.

“I want to make something to support the city's efforts to tackle Covid-19. I feel very lucky as my acts for the sake of the community have always received great support from my family members”, Ms Quyen remarked.

By HA KHUE - Translated by M.D