Quick vaccination key to ensuring smooth supply chain
In this article (5)
The delay in vaccinating workers in the retail and logistics sectors is causing disruptions in the supply chain, a key player in the Covid-19 fight.
Earlier this month, nearly 40 VinMart and VinMart+ outlets had been closed for several days due to Covid-19 linkage, which urged its operator Masan to once again request the government to quickly vaccinate retail staff.
The Ministry of Industry and Trade had in June also called for these employees to be vaccinated early as they come into direct contact with millions of customers every day and are at high risk of contagion.
In retail chain BRG Mart, 30 percent of staff have received their first dose. The ratio for conglomerate Masan is 16 percent, Bach Hoa Xanh (operated by Mobile World) 21 percent, MM Mega Market over 30 percent, and Co.opmart Hanoi 30 percent.
Nguyen Thi Kim Dung, CEO of Co.opmart Hanoi, of which one supermarket was closed for three days due to Covid-19 linkage, said social distancing alone is not enough to reduce the risks for retail workers.
“The earlier these employees are vaccinated the sooner customers are protected.”
Dung said Co.opmart had made the request to different government bodies but all had stated vaccines were not available.
Retail workers, however, are only part of the supply chain.
Le Duy Binh, CEO of market research company Economica Vietnam, said drivers, shippers, and customs officers also need to be prioritized as they serve in the frontline of the economy and deliver essential goods.
Although government officials have demanded shippers be prioritized for vaccination, experts say the process needs to be sped up amid a surging number of Covid-19 cases.
Economist Phung Duc Tung said vaccines are being distributed mostly to localities when instead it should be distributed to sectors to ensure the flow of essential goods.
Questions & Answers
Q.What is the primary reason for disruptions in the retail supply chain?
What is the primary reason for disruptions in the retail supply chain?
The main cause of supply chain disruptions is the delay in vaccinating workers in the retail and logistics sectors. These employees are considered key players in the Covid-19 fight and are at high risk of contagion.
Q.Which retail chains have started vaccinating their staff, and what is their progress?
Which retail chains have started vaccinating their staff, and what is their progress?
BRG Mart has vaccinated 30 percent of its staff with the first dose. Masan has vaccinated 16 percent, Bach Hoa Xanh 21 percent, MM Mega Market over 30 percent, and Co.opmart Hanoi has also reached 30 percent.
Q.Why has it been difficult to get retail workers vaccinated, despite requests from businesses?
Why has it been difficult to get retail workers vaccinated, despite requests from businesses?
Co.opmart Hanoi's CEO stated that they requested vaccines from different government bodies. However, these bodies all responded that the necessary vaccines were not available at the time of the request.
Q.Beyond retail staff, which other workers are considered crucial for maintaining supply chains and should be prioritised for vaccination?
Beyond retail staff, which other workers are considered crucial for maintaining supply chains and should be prioritised for vaccination?
Economica Vietnam's CEO, Le Duy Binh, highlighted that drivers, shippers, and customs officers are also crucial. They operate on the economic frontline, delivering essential goods and require vaccination priority.
Reader pulse
Should retail staff be vaccine priority?
16,122 votes so far