After more than two months of closure due to the recent COVID-19 resurgence in Da Nang, the Tho Quang Seafood Wholesale Market officially reopened its doors to traders and buyers from 0am on October 15.

However, on the first day of its reopening, the wholesale market looked a bit sparse compared with previous days before closing, whilst a spontaneous area outside the market on Van Don Street was packed with traders and shoppers.

After hearing the Da Nang government's plan on reopening the Tho Quang Seafood Wholesale Market, early Friday, numerous stallholders across the city came to the market to buy seafood for sales.

However, many were not allowed to enter the market because they did not show negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 with the validity within 72 hours, and make medical declarations with QR codes. As a result, fishing vessels’ owners and merchants brought seafood to Van Don Street in Son Tra District’s Tho Quang Ward for sales.

Mr Huynh Van Phuong, Head of the Management Board of the Tho Quang Fishing Wharf and Port, said patrons must have certificates of negative tests for SARS-CoV-2 with the validity within 72 hours to enter the market following the municipal Health Department' guidelines for containment of COVID-19.

"To solve the problem, we will continue to make proposals on adjustments relating to operation conditions at the Tho Quang Seafood Wholesale Market for the municipal authorities for consideration" said Mr. Phuong.

Previously, on Thursday, October 14, the Da Nang Department of Agriculture and Rural Development sent a written request to the municipal People's Committee on supporting the costs of SARS-CoV-2 testing for seafarers, small-sized household businesses and staff who are working at the Tho Quang Fishing Port and the Tho Quang Seafood Wholesale Market.

The Department also directed the Department of Transport to manage “green lanes” vehicles registering to operate at the Tho Quang Fishing Port, but the unit has yet to be informed about the operating time at the port in order to prevent the vehicles from operating for wrong purposes, and loading and unloading seafood in an unauthorized area.

The Tho Quang Seafood Wholesale Market wore deserted look on the first day of its reopening

By contrast, a large number of people spontaneously gathered on Van Don Street in Son Tra District for trading activities

Seafood trading activities were seen on Van Dong Street

Seafood trading activities were seen on Van Dong Street

The urban rules inspection employees in Son Tra District maintained urban order on Van Don Street in the early morning of October 15.

 Reporting by HOANG HIEP - Translating by M.D