Supplies of essential goods ensured under all circumstances: Minister

Supplies of essential goods must continue to flow even in the worst situation of a city or several localities being put under quarantine, said Minister of Industry and Trade Tran Tuan Anh at a meeting in Hanoi on March 19.

“No locality will face a shortage of essential goods,” he said.

Supplies will be sufficient to meet the needs of people, even when the pandemic prolongs for one month, two months, six months, or longer, he affirmed.

In the worst situation, the ministry will ask the government to mobilize national reserves, he said.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said the ministry has reviewed and assured the ability of each locality to provide sufficient essential goods.

So far, 55 out of the 63 cities and provinces nationwide have built plans and scenarios to cope with the pandemic in five levels, including the case its spread forces the quarantine of major cities and satellite zones.

As of March 20 morning, Vietnam had recorded 85 COVID-19 cases, of which 17 have fully recovered.