The COVID-19 outbreak has seen examples of the very best of humanity in Da Nang. In the midst of this crisis, there has been a spike in spontaneous acts full of kindness, generosity and empathy. Many ndividuals, organisations and businesses citywide are offering their help and support to those in need. In particular, heart-warming stories about Da Nang border guards ‘sacrificing’ themselves to take care of the people have earned its spotlight in the designated quarantine facilities.

Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Tong Khiem is encouraging young-age child Le Van Thanh Nghia in a managed quarantine facility. Photo was taken on September 2 by K.N

On the morning of September 1, in the Da Son designated quarantine facility, Lien Chieu District, Mr Le Van Loc received a positive test result for COVID-19 but did not want to go for treatment due to his worry for a 10-year-old son Le Van Thanh Nghia. Previously, his wife and daughter also tested positive and were taken to treatment.

However, after being encouraged by Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Tong Khiem with the promise of taking care of his son, Mr Loc was somewhat reassured to send his son to Lieutenant Khiem, other border guards and medical staff on duty here.

Currently, thanks to the daily care, guidance and encouragement of Mr Khiem and medical staff here, the boy, Nghia, is now more secure, happier and no longer shows fear as initially.

Over the past time, Senior Lieutenant Khiem and his teammates have supported many COVID-19 patients, helping them overcome difficulties and fight against this deadly disease.

Similarly, in the sweltering heat of summer, at the quarantine facility of the Da Nang Economic Planning Junior College, Lien Chieu District, many soldiers and functional staffers are taking care of hundreds of COVID-19 close contacts.

Every day, border guards deliver servings of meals door-to-door, do cleanups, provide essential supplies for the quarantined and support medical staffers if needed. Although working under high intensity, they always fulfill their duty in the battle against COVID-19 with the core spirit of “working for the sake of people”.

For example, when a 12-year-old girl timidly complained on a broken toilet when Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Thanh Binh did not hesitate to fix it. In the following days, he always came to encourage her and asked the kitchen to prepare suitable dishes for the children here to ensure their health.

The story of Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Thanh Binh with his good deed of carrying an elderly woman infected with COVID-19 from the 4^th floor of the managed quarantine facility at the Da Nang Economic Planning Junior College to an ambulance on July 28 has attracted high public attention and praise, showing the fact that humanitarian love surpasses any fears over the deadly virus.

However, few people know that it was not his shift at that time. He ignored the worry of catching the highly contagious disease to showed the greatest efforts and highest determination to help people, in a bid to fight against the pandemic as well as to encourage the optimistic spirit amongst the quarantined.

On the whole, there are still many beautiful and warm human stories behind the gates of the quarantine facilities. Although working in harsh weather conditions or in a high-risk work environment, border guards always uphold the sense of responsibility "serving for the sake of community" and try their utmost since knowing that their presence conveys peace of mind in residents.

Reporting by BA VINH, HONG QUANG- Translating by T.VY