HCMC has imposed its second 15-day citywide social distancing order as the current epicenter seeks to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

The city has been struggling to attain Covid-19 tests, referred to as a travel pass, for its workers so they could freely transport goods to customers.

Some other businesses say each province’s travel pass regulation differs from one another in terms of expiration and administrative procedures.

Testing is also a cost burden, with each quick test priced at VND200,000-400,000 ($8.69-17.37), while a PCR test is over VND700,000.

The Vietnam Logistics Association (VLA) recently proposed no PCR test is required for drivers entering and leaving areas with high risks in HCMC to reduce costs.

Instead, drivers must wear protective gear and should remain inside the cabin while the goods are loaded or unloaded, it said.

Lessons learned from some localities that have suffered great consequences of COVID-19, have caused many businesses and industrial parks to stop operating, affecting not only the production and business situation but also disrupting the supply chain. In response to goods worldwide, shrimp and pangasius processing and exporting enterprises in the Mekong Delta have been very cautious, taking more control measures and focusing on protecting the health of workers and staff working at the factory.

Many companies have also actively organized to guide, share and update knowledge and skills, well support the prevention and control of COVID-19 for workers and staff to ensure both maintaining stable production, and safety against Covid-12.

VASEP and seafood companies have also proposed to the Government to have priority access to vaccines to organize vaccination for workers in seafood companies and commit to join hands with the Government to contribute budget for vaccination.

The rapid deployment of COVID-19 vaccine for workers is the first choice for businesses to minimize risks, avoid unnecessary damage and maintain stable production and business.

By Michael (Business Team).