(VOVWORLD) - Many localities in Vietnam have imposed social distancing rules due to the COVID-19 pandemic. People in lockdown areas have been having a difficult time, but they are not forgotten by their countrymen. They have gotten help from the government and from other communities. Zero-Dong shops and Zero-Dong cars organized by businesses and social organizations have brought essential goods to poor people in these areas.
 A Zero-Dong shop at Trung Yen primary school, Cau Giay district, Hanoi (photo: VOV) |
People in a COVID-19 lockdown area in Cau Giay district, Hanoi, are at a Zero-Dong shop picking up food and other essentials.
One of the residents said: “These are all the essentials we need. We don’t have to go out to buy things. It’s safe for me and my children.”
“Almost all the disadvantaged people in my area have received aid. They are very happy. We went to the relief distribution site to pick up some things while abiding by pandemic prevention measures,” said a resident in Cau Giay district.
A chain of Zero-Dong shops has opened in many places around Hanoi, providing 60 different items, including spices, sugar, milk, canned food, cakes, vegetables, fruits, eggs, soap, toothpaste, and other essentials.
Ngo Thi Linh, an employee of the Phu Nhuan Jewelry Joint Stock Company, manages a Zero-Dong shop at Trung Yen primary school. “They are very happy to get some help. I feel happy, too. When we started working for the Zero-Dong chain, we made up our mind to ignore the possible health risk. We’re doing our best to help people,” said Yen.
The Hanoi Capital High Command operates the Zero-Dong shops to make rice, vegetables, eggs, meat, cooking oil, and spices available to disadvantaged people and people in lockdown areas, following the motto “Leave no one behind”.
Zero-Dong shops and fairs have been organized in many other localities nationwide. Social organizations and agencies in Dak Lak province have co-organized Zero-Dong shops there.Former officials of the Youth Union in Hoa Hai ward, Ngu Hanh Son district, Da Nang city, have also organized Zero-Dong cars to give people a free ride back to their home village.
Free food and other essential goods have encouraged pandemic-affected people stay strong against the pandemic.