Statistics released by the Da Nang Department of Labour, Ward Invalids and Social Affairs show that, as of August 27, around 16,000 immigrants stranded in the city had been in urgent need of leaving Da Nang for their hometowns or for other provinces and cities for their admission to universities and colleges.

Quang Ngai Province's citizens stranded in the city were brought home on 22 August

The Da Nang government has called on provinces and cities nationwide to help their citizens stranded in Da Nang return home.

In response to the city's appeals, 27 provinces and cities nationwide have taken actions to work with Da Nang government to welcome back their citizens.

All immigrants will have their swab samples taken for coronavirus testing by staff of the Da Nang Department of Health before leaving Da Nang.

On 22 August, more than 700 citizens of Quang Ngai Province were carried to their hometown on  vehicles arranged by their local authorities.

Meanwhile, the provinces of Nghe An, Ha Tinh, Quang Binh, Quang Tri, Thua Thien Hue, Quang Nam, Binh Dinh, Dak Lak, Dak Nong, Phu Yen and Lam Dong have also planned to help their stranded citizens return home.

In addition, Ha Noi and Ho Chi Minh City are prioritising to welcoming unversity and college students from Da Nang to facilitate them to continue their studies in their localities as the new academic year is about to begin.

Most recently, the Da Nang government has asked the Ministry of Transport and the Viet Nam Railway Corporation to arrange two special trains to bring the stranded in the city to return home. One train will depart in Da Nang and arrive in Ha Noi, whilst the other will be en route from Da Nang to Ho Chi Minh City.

All returnees will be required to declare their health status, as well as be put in place during their 14-day self-quarantine period at their places of residence or designated isolation areas in their localities as per guidelines from Vietnamese Ministry of Health.

By DAC MANH, XUAN DUNG - Translated by M.D