Authorities in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang have shut down all eateries as well as takeaway and food delivery services due to the ongoing novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak.

From 1:00 pm Thursday, July 30, all businesses selling food and drinks in Da Nang, which is now the largest COVID-19 epicenter in Vietnam, will be shuttered, according to a decision by the municipal People’s Committee.

They are also banned from operating takeaway or delivery services.

Stores that sell foodstuff and other essential items are still allowed to remain open.

Construction works in the city are permitted to carry on during this period, but all workers must wear face masks and keep at least a two-meter distance from each other.

The Da Nang administration requested district-level authorities to continue intensifying COVID-19 prevention and control measures, and promptly detect any community-based infection to react promptly with quarantine procedures.

A store selling essentials and foodstuff remains open in Da Nang City, Vietnam. Photo: Doan Nhan / Tuoi Tre

The central Vietnamese city has documented 34 locally-transmitted COVID-19 cases since Saturday.

Nine other community-based cases have also been recorded in Quang Nam Province, Quang Ngai Province, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Dak Lak Province. 

The government has decided to reinstate enhanced social distancing in Da Nang for at least 15 days from Tuesday, similar to measures enforced nationwide in early April, when Vietnam was at the peak of the pandemic.

Authorities in the coastal city have banned crowded events, shuttered non-essential services, and stopped receiving domestic tourists to prevent the virus from spreading.

Vietnam’s COVID-19 tally was at 459, with 369 having recovered as of Thursday afternoon, according to Ministry of Health statistics.

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