On July 7, DIT Director Bui Ta Hoang Vu said that the city had to shut the three major agricultural markets of Hoc Mon, Binh Dien and Thu Duc to prevent the spread of COVID-19 as these markets are usually packed with people.
Ho Chi Minh City is currently the largest coronavirus hotspot in Vietnam and stricter social distancing measures are set to take effect from July 9.
According to the DIT, over half of the city’s 234 traditional markets have already closed following the detection of COVID-19 cases in such places, prompting local residents to flock to supermarkets and convenience stores, resulting in brief shortages.
DIT Deputy Director Nguyen Nguyen Phuong stated that there is no shortage of essential goods for Ho Chi Minh City, and that there are only difficulties at certain distribution stages due to virus preventive measures.
Major supermarket chains such as Saigon Co-op, Satra and MM Mega Market also affirmed that the supply of food for the city is not lacking and they are making arrangements appropriate to the new situation.
They elaborated that they are increasing the stock of goods to ensure supply for 1-3 months while extending the opening hours from 6am to 11pm and diversifying their sales channels.
Saigon Co-op General Director Nguyen Anh Duc said the company pledges to maintain stable prices for 12 essential goods and is working with suppliers to ensure their prices are equal to or lower than market prices.
