The Da Nang Department of Industry and Trade has issued guidance on the operation of food suppliers and distributors at different COVID-19 alert levels.

At level 1 (low-risk) and level 2 (medium risk), all food suppliers and distributors such as traditional markets, wholesale markets, trade centers, supermarkets, convenience store chains, grocery stores, foodstuff stores will be allowed to operate provided that they put in place anti-virus measures that allow flexibility and adaptability for effective control of COVID-19 control in line with the guidance from the Ministry of Health and national government agencies.

QR code check-in rules are compulsory for these venues in bid to effectively manage visitors. Compliance with the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health, the use of QR codes, and vaccination are mandatory for all staff at these venues and their shoppers.

At level 3 (high-risk), food and drinks stores operating in traditional markets and wholesale markets will be not allowed to provide table service, and are only allowed to offer takeways.

50% capacity cap will put on traditional and wholesale markets but stallholders and patrons must subject to all masking and distancing requirements. Stallholders are required to use nylon sheets around their stalls to avoid direct contact with their customers. Strictest health and safe measures will be put in place in these venues, allowing space for social distancing between stall holders and ensuring strict compliance with the recommended preventive measures amongst stallholders and patrons.

Trade centers, supermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale markets will be allowed to remain open but maximum capacity of clients inside these venues at any one time will not exceed 20 with 2-metre physical distancing required.

At level 4 (very high risk), food and drinks stores operating in traditional markets and wholesale markets will be not allowed to provide table service and are only allowed to offer takeways. Traditional and wholesale markets will be allowed to operate under same rules applied to them at level 3.

Maximum capacity of shoppers inside trade centers, supermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale markets at any one time will not exceed 10 with 2-metre physical distancing required. Shoppers will be required to show a negative COVID-19 test result taken within 72 hours before entering these venues.

The municipal Department of Industry and Trade will work closely with authorities at local level to take all necessary measures in efforts to ensure a sufficient supply of food for local residents under any circumstances. The heed will be paid on organizing fixed and mobile selling points if needed. The municipal Department of Industry and Trade will work with the Department of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to provide relief goods for poor families in line with the direction from the municipal government in order to ensure no one is left behind.

Goods suppliers and distributors in Da Nang must take proactive action to stockpile food, and find more sources of goods in order to provide goods for local residents in in a quick and timely way, and minimize supply chain disruptions.

Reporting by QUYNH TRANG – translating by H.L