As soon as social distancing was imposed on Phu Yen district, many people in other parts of Son La sent donations, even though their lives have also been affected by the pandemic.

“The epidemic is creating difficulties for everybody, but it’s time to give mutual support and love. Vietnamese people are famous for that tradition. We want people in quarantine areas to feel supported,” said Luong Thi Mai, a resident of Yen Chau town.

Dinh Van Huy of Phu Yen said he was very moved to receive the relief food.

“I just received several kinds of vegetables. Each household in the epidemic area received a little. We’d like to say thank you to all the people who help us go through this difficult period,” said Huy.

Hundreds of tents have been set up by the locals to receive people returning from jobs far from home, some coming from epidemic hotspots.

La Thi Minh Tam, a resident of Bo Duoi hamlet, said, “I was happy to help set up tents to receive our fellow village for quarantine as they return home. I hope they will practice safe quarantine.”

Each bamboo-frame tent is 8 to 10 square meters in area and equipped with electricity, water, and a toilet. The tents can also provide emergency shelter in areas stricken by rain, flood, or other natural disasters.

Son La province has about 30,000 workers employed far from home. Many of them are expected to return this month.

The generous donations made by Son La’s citizens have helped the government keep its pledge to leave no one behind during the coronavirus crisis.