Foreign expert volunteers to join Covid-19 battle in Bac Giang

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Bac Giang province is currently the biggest coronavirus hotspot in Vietnam. The provincial authority has appealed for enterprises in the area to support facilities for medical workers from other localities to come to help Bac Giang.

Hitoshi Mukai and other volunteers clean accommodation for medical workers. Photo: Suckhoedoisong

Responding to the call, ICO International Human Resources Joint Stock Company in Bac Giang city has made room in its entire accommodation for officers and staff for 142 medical workers from the Thai Binh University of Medicine and Pharmacy and Hanoi Medical College. Ten officers and employees of the company have volunteered to assist medical workers. Among them, Hitoshi Mukai, a Japanese expert, is among the most active.

Hitoshi makes a contribution in the fight against Covid-19 in Bac Giang. Photo: Suckhoedoisong

Mukai said that he arrived in Vietnam in 2014 and had worked as a manager and trainer of workers at the ICO Company.

As a volunteer, Mukai takes responsibility for cleaning, disinfecting and assisting the distribution of food and drink to medical staff.

Mukai's day starts at 5:30 a.m. and ends after distributing food to medical workers in the evening. There have been days where he and other volunteers have to work until 2 a.m. However, they are still happy because they can make contributions to the fight against the coronavirus.

Mukai has a special sentiment for the people and country of Vietnam. Photo: Suckhoedoisong

When asked about the reasons for doing volunteering, Mukai said: “I have stayed in Vietnam for six years, therefore, I have a special affection for this country. Vietnam is my second homeland. I want to make a small contribution to helping Vietnam to soon stamp out the pandemic. Becoming a volunteer, I have received enthusiastic support from my family in Japan.”

After nearly half a month of volunteering, Hitoshi Mukai has understood the hardships and noble sacrifices of medical workers.

Deputy Minister of Health Nguyen Truong Son and volunteers of the ICO Company pose for a group photo. Photo: Suckhoedoisong

“Seeing medical workers in protective clothes under the scorching heat, I really admire them for their endurance and resilience. I am moreand more impressed by their optimistic spirit. Hopefully, the pandemic will soon be curbed so that life can return to normal,” he said.

It’s his enthusiasm and friendliness that make Mukai beloved by many medical workers.

Mukai and many foreigners have also donated money and essential items like food and masks to people who have lost livelihoods to the Covid-19 pandemic, showing solidarity with their adopted country.

On Saturday night Michael Wilson and his girlfriend in Saigon’s District 2 prepared food and traveled to many places in town to give to disadvantaged people who have lost their livelihoods due to the two-week social distancing campaign and the pandemic, VnExpress reported.

Wayne Worrell (L) and his friends send positive messages to Covid-19 frontline workers in Vietnam. Photo courtesy of Wayne Worrell.

"Everyone is hit by the pandemic, so I just contribute what I can," said Wilson, 34, an English teacher from the UK..

He distributes 50 sandwiches and masks to lottery sellers and motorbike taxi drivers. Last year, during the nationwide social distancing campaign he joined friends in donating masks and sanitizers to people in need.

Wilson is among many foreigners who have done their bit to help less fortunate people in their new home survive the Covid-19 pandemic, which has affected their livelihoods.

In Hanoi, Daniel James, 41, also an English teacher, bought instant noodles, water and masks and distributed them to some poor people after the fourth wave of Covid began.

He solicited donations from expat friends, bought things from a supermarket and drove around to himself distribute them.

A foreign man has his blood sample taken for the new coronavirus tests in Da Nang. Photo: VnExpress

"The city is my second home, so I want to express my gratitude and join in this Covid battle," he says.

Wayne Worrell, 55, a British teacher living in Hanoi for more than a decade, donated face masks to people to raise public awareness of wearing masks during the previous outbreak.

When blood banks were running out of supply since people were scared to donate amid the pandemic, he urged expats to pitch in.

He told VnExpress: "I have lived in Vietnam for 10 years. I want to support this country. We must unite as one and show where our hearts lie."

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