The first free ATM rice machine was put into operation on February 24 in the COVID-19 hotspot of Cam Giang district in the northern province of Hai Duong as a means of providing assistance to poor workers in the locality.

The machine is set up by benefactors and the administration of Cam Giang district in Hai Duong province to help local labourers.

Each individual is granted five kg of rice per package. The majority of recipients are made up of poor workers in Hai Duong province who have been forced to stop working or can’t return to their hometown due to the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on the locality.

Local firms from the province provide 10 tonnes of rice in an effort to support workers.

When lining up to receive the rice workers maintain a two-metre distance as part of efforts to prevent the potential spread of COVID-19.

Organisers of the rice ATM have plans to install six additional free machines dispensing rice throughout Hai Duong city, with locations being found in Kinh Mon town along with the districts of Nam Sach and Kim Thanh.

The situation relating to the COVID-19 pandemic remains challenging, with local authorities imposing a lockdown on Cam Giang district in order to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2. Statistics indicate that 11,118 workers are stuck in Cam Giang district, causing great difficulties for them.

Free rice is also provided to workers to help them overcome their difficulties amid fears relating to COVID-19.

Benefactors carry rice to the free ATM machine located in Hai Duong province.