The great support and sentimental affection from functional forces, including medical staff, has been active in helping those in quarantine at designated facilities and sealed-off neighbourhoods across Da Nang overcome initial discomforts and maintain their positive thinking. There is no denying that the quarantine period is considered a test of love and compassion amid these challenging times triggered by COVID-19 resurgence.

The ‘Understanding and Loving’ Club members are seen presenting gifts to people in blockaded Thi An Residential setting, Hoa Quy Ward, Ngu Hanh Son District. Photo: D.H.L

“The way Da Nang deals with the COVID-19 outbreak is highly appreciated”

Having just completed the mandatory medical quarantine period at a concentrated facility  in Thanh Khe District, Da Nang, Mr. Le Thang, a staffer at the private Duy Tan University  said that, at first, he felt quite uncomfortable because he couldn't go anywhere and was restricted from receiving food from outside, and especially, had to wear a face mask around the clock, which makes his earlobes red and swollen.

However, everything turned easier thanks to kind support he received from functional forces staffing at this concentrated site and other quarantined persons. It is a warm deed when the sequestered people here even shared a pack of noodles when becoming hungry late at night.

Besides, the staff here is very thoughtful and enthusiastic. On a daily basis, they do all kinds of tasks such as distributing portions of meals to the quarantined, collecting garbage for appropriate disposal, receiving supplies from the quarantined people’s relatives,conduct body temperature measurements on the sequestered and do many other assigned missions.

Familiar daily sayings such as "Do your best, everyone!", "We'll be home in a few more days!" made the quarantined felt very rest assured. At this time of hardship, people can still feel each other’s warmth even though they can’t be close physically.

Additionally, the medical staff kept an eye close on monitoring the physical and mental health of the quarantined. ‘Newcomers’ to this quarantine establishment that are prone to psychological crises will be consulted and supported by psychologists.

On May 14, a close contact of a COVID-19 case who was rushed to an concentrated quarantine site in Son Tra District fell into a serious mental crisis. However, this woman then felt secure after receiving timely on-site consultation by Dr. Nguyen Hang Phuong from the University of Education.

“I am always ready to provide psychological support for close contacts of COVID-19 patients who have negative thoughts. I was filled with many emotions because this was the first time I experienced going into the quarantine site, wearing a stuffy protective suit and talking to such a sequestered person in a never-before-seen situation. After an hour of talking with tears and smiles, she felt relieved and sent a thank-you message to me. I am extremely grateful for the way the Da Nang government works. They always listen to the people and protect the safety of those on duty," said Dr. Phuong.

Another family quarantined in a hotel in Binh Hien Ward, Hai Chau District wrote a letter to thank a doctor named Phuong Binh from the Hai Chau District Medical Centre as saying: “After completing the quarantine and returning home, my family would like to send a few lines of thanks to doctor Binh.

Although no one in my family has seen his face, the most obvious thing is your great dedication and devotion. You were always cheerful and transfered your positive energy to everyone. During the hot weather, you had to wear a protective outfit while everyone was in an air-conditioned room. Thank you so much for always taking care of me and encouraging my family members. We will not forget this memorable quarantine period. I hope the pandemic will ends soon so that you can return to your family”.

The pandemic will end, but the power of humanity will last forever

During this outbreak, the lives of more than 300 residents in the blockaded residential quarters in Thuan Phuoc Ward, Hai Chau District which were put under lockdown over their links to COVID-19 cases, were greatly affected. However, with the sharing of the community, these dwellers have been more assured to perform well pandemic prevention and control regulations.

Mrs. Le Thuy Hang residing in one of the blockaded areas shared, someone said that “We seem to sympathize with what others feel when experiencing the same situation.” Indeed, at the beginning of the lockdown, it was hard to change the way of life for 21 days. We really worried about what to eat and what to do when being indoors around the clock. However, the great encouragement from relatives, friends, and the ward officials made my heart feel assured and relieved.

“It is really touching to see young volunteers neatly put the packages of vegetables and fruits in front of my house every 2-3 days with the message “Auntie, here are vegetables for your family, please take it in before it is wilt”.

Besides, Hang also received a wide range of things from bags of sticky rice, bottles of cooking oil, packets of seasoning powder, and fish boxes from the ward-district authorities to all the menu prices of vegetables, the phone number of the sellers including the message "free delivery for the sequestered”.

The Da Nang-based‘Understanding and Loving’ Club has posted on social networking sites asking for donations from the community, and spent more than 13.5 million VND on buying essential necessities for the quarantined people such as instant noodles, cooking oil, eggs and sugar on May 22.

Reporting by DOAN HAO LUONG – Translating by T.VY