"These workers are at the frontier of the Covid-19 fight. They ensure the flow of essential goods, medical equipment and materials for manufacturing," Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Do Thang Hai said in a request to localities.

Disruption of the supply chain in key industries like textiles and garments, footwear, and electronics will have severe long-term impacts on the economy, said Deputy Minister Hai.

"If the global supply chain is disrupted, big companies will source their goods from other countries instead of Vietnam. Returning to the supply chain will be a very difficult and time-consuming process."

The industry ministry in June proposed the government prioritize vaccinating retail workers to supply goods to consumers.

As of July 29, Vietnam has inoculated 5.1 percent of its population, of which 0.6 percent have fully been vaccinated.