Many districts in the southern metropolis has managed to put COVID-19 under control such as Cu Chi, Can Gio, Nha Be, 7, 5, Go Vap, Phu Nhuan, and Tan Binh, along with Thu Duc city.

Nguyen Thi Kim Ngoc, Deputy Director of the municipal Department of Industry and Trade, said the department has been working with enterprises, retailers, and producers to ensure the supply of essential goods and promote selling farm produce after September 30.

It has asked the districts and Thu Duc city to devise appropriate plans to reopen traditional markets while still ensuring pandemic safety. It has also told the retail system to report on their distribution plans and pledge to guarantee sufficient supply.

Facing new requirements from the market and consumers, Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of District 5 Truong My Kieu said local authorities will strive to meet local demand for essential goods with stable prices, so they will keep a close watch on the pandemic situation and the market so as to resume trading activities step by step.

Though local residents hope for the reopening of direct retail and distribution, they still expect trading activities will meet safety criteria to sustain the achievements in the COVID-19 fight.

So far, Ho Chi Minh City has reopened the wholesale food markets of Binh Dien, Thu Duc, and Hoc Mon. Residents in “green zones” have also been permitted to go shopping once a week.