Vast majority of Vietnamese agree to extend social distancing

"Rice ATM" feeds Vietnam's poor amidst the virus lockdown. Photo: Le Toan

A survey conducted by Infocus Mekong Research on April 14, 2020 amongst 500 Vietnamese has yielded interesting results.

Only 5 per cent of respondents believe that Vietnam should stop social distancing, while another 6 per cent are neutral in terms of the next steps. This sentiment was the same across North, Central, and South Vietnam.

Most survey respondents believe the government should continue social distancing past April 15 to reduce the risk of COVID-19 spread

Interestingly, when asked about their present employment status, 80 per cent had negatively been impacted by COVID-19 and the required aocial distancing, but would still elect to maintain the policy.

“With 35 per cent of people on reduced pay and work hours and another 45 per cent having either lost their livelihoods permanently or at least temporarily, it is a clear indication that Vietnamese people are placing health and family above the Mighty Dong,” noted Ralf Matthaes, managing director of Infocus Mekong Research, the host of the survey.

Over the past 5-6 years, many Vietnamese appear to have misdirected their priorities, as many have been chasing success and material goals, he said, adding that it is nice to see that the country's citizens still have their priorities in the right place. As they say, better safe than sorry.

Vietnam started to implement 15 days of social distancing from April 1 to curb the community transmission of the coronavirus. Only factories, businesses, and service establishments producing and providing essential goods and services are allowed to open and have been asked to ensure workers follow strict health guidelines.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc has urged the public to continue to strictly follow social distancing guidelines which are scheduled to take effect until April 15. The decision to extend social distancing or not will be made based on feedback collected from sectors and localities.

Most recently, Nguyen Thanh Phong, Chairman of Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee proposed to extend social distancing until April 30 in an effort to contain the COVID-19 pandemic.