A makeshift market that was opened in District 5, Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday has attracted a lot of customers amidst the prolonged social distancing period.

The District 5 People’s Committee established the makeshift market with an aim to help local residents buy food and essential items safely as well as to gradually bring life back to the 'new normal.'

Located on Tan Da Street in Ward 10, District 5, the market offers more than 200 essential products.

All merchants have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

In order to shop, residents must present a ticket issued by local authorities.

About 400 people were allowed to enter the market on Sunday, Dao Thi Anh Tuyet, a district official said, adding that they were required to come at different times to prevent large gatherings.

Authorities in District 5 are planning to reopen Hoa Binh and An Dong Markets in the near future.

All customers must comply with pandemic prevention and control regulations, while merchants must be fully vaccinated and undergo COVID-19 testing at least once every three days, Tuyet elaborated.

According to Pham Thi Hoa, a 64-year-old resident, being able to go shopping at the makeshift market following a long social distancing period made her feel that life has been normal again.

“I hope authorities will open more similar markets so that other people can go outside and shop for groceries,” Hoa added.

Ho Chi Minh City has recorded 371,660 local COVID-19 infections, including 12,522 cases in District 5, since the fourth wave began on April 27.

The city has imposed social distancing at various levels since May 31 to contain the spread of the virus.

Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam!