On Monday morning, the force of delivery people on motorbikes, known locally as “shippers, employed by, trade centres, supermarkets, convenient stores and key trading companies across Da Nang, resumed their operations to deliver food and essential goods to locals in desperate need.

A Danavi Mart employee delivers goods to the ‘supply task force’ in a residential area delivers goods to the ‘supply task force’ in a residential area on Hoang Dieu Street for the delivery to families. Photo: XUAN DUNG

For the time being, there are nearly 800 shippers from 14 citywide food supplers that are allowed to operate as per approval by the municipal administration. These eligible shippers meet the strict requirements set by the municipal government.

They must have received at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine, undergo COVID-19 PCR testing every 3 days, follow the recommended guidelines for infection prevention and control, and the 5K recommendations of the Ministry of Health.

Also, they are required to present travel permits issued by the Da Nang Police Department, personal papers, proof of a negative COVID-19 test, and evidence of their vaccination status if asked by the taskforce.

As observed on Monday morning, the shippers wore protective overalls, standard face masks, anti-drop glasses and gloves and regularly disinfected their hands with antiseptic liquids during their shipping process according to the safety regulations against COVID-19.

In local locked-down areas, shippers delivered packages of food and essential goods at checkpoints whereby the on-duty staff here transferred them to households to families in need.

Particularly for houses with facades onto major roads, not in sealed-off areas, shippers delivered directly to families. The process of delivery and receipt of goods were witnessed ensuring the mandatory requirements of pandemic prevention and control.

Upon receiving goods from the shippers,Tran Van Quang, a male resident in Hai Chau 1 Ward, Hai Chau District shared: “I am very reassured when I see the shipper wearing full protective clothing on the delivery job. To avoid coming into contact with the shipper. I has paid online when placing my order.”

Mai Truong Quoc Hoang, an employee of Danavi Mart supermarket, said that, for unpaid orders, the shippers also instruct customers to make payment via bank transfer to limit in-person contact for ultimate safety.

A supermarket staffer prepares orders for the handover to shippers. Photo: VAN HOANG

Big C Da Nang Malls’ staff prepares goods for the delivery. Photo: VAN HOANG

A shipper receives goods from a Vinmart + store on Le Dinh Ly Street Photo: XUAN DUNG

For meat and fish items, shippers store them in thermal backpacks. Photo: VAN HOANG

A Big C Da Nang Mall shipper prepares goods for delivery. Photo: VAN HOANG

Shipper wears protective clothing when delivering goods. Photo: XUAN DUNG

Goods are delivered to families outside lockdown area. Photo: VAN HOANG

A shipper delivers goods to a residential checkpoint for delivery to families in Thanh Binh Ward, Hai Chau District. Photo: VAN HOANG

A Danavi Mart staffer is on his journey of delivering goods to people in Hai Chau District. Photo: XUAN DUNG

Reporting by VAN HOANG, XUAN DUNG – Translating by A.T