Many people flocked to enjoy a swim at a beach near Ho Chi Minh City over the weekend, disregarding a beach closure in place to prevent the spread of novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). 

Beachgoers were spotted soaking up the sun and water at the beach in Vung Tau City, located in the southern province of Ba Ria – Vung Tau, a two-hour drive from Ho Chi Minh City, on Saturday and Sunday.

All beaches in Vung Tau have remained closed to the public since March 29, but that did not stop the crowds from gathering in defiance of a prime minister directive telling residents to limit public gatherings and keep a safe distance from others.

Many people climbed over the barricades with banners showing messages about the beach closure for COVID-19 prevention and control to make their way to the beach.

Reportedly, the beachgoers mostly came from other localities near Vung Tau.

They used services of hotels and lodging facilities along the beach, which are in operation despite the beach closure.

Pham Khac To, director of resort management in Vung Tau City, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper his staff tried to stop the beachgoers but they were helpless against the crowds who were out in full force.

The issue has been reported to the city admnistration, To said.

Ba Ria – Vung Tau vice-chairman Tran Van Tuan told Tuoi Tre the province has ordered Vung Tau City to mobilize more forces to prevent people from going to the beach.

At the same time, Tuan advised people to strictly adhere to the authorities’ COVID-19 prevention and control regulations, and to stay vigilant as there remains a risk for infection.

Vietnam has recorded 270 patients so far, with 225 of them having recovered. 

No fatality associated with the disease has been reported to date.

There has been no COVID-19 infection recorded in Ba Ria – Vung Tau.

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