A file photo of two ferries operating at the Can Gio-Can Giuoc ferry terminal. The ferry service on this route suspended operations starting today, July 30, until further notice to serve the Covid-19 fight – PHOTO: PLO

HCMC – The ferry service linking HCMC’s outlying coastal district of Can Gio with neighboring Long An Province’s Can Giuoc District has suspended operations starting today, July 30, until further notice as part of the city’s efforts to fight Covid-19, according to the municipal transport authority’s announcement.

Also, between July 30 and August 1, the Binh Khanh ferry service, which connects Nha Be District and Can Gio District in HCMC, and the Cat Lai ferry service linking HCMC’s Thu Duc City and Dong Nai Province’s Nhon Trach District will stop transporting passengers.

Instead, they will only serve cars transporting workers, ambulances, vehicles carrying people joining the Covid fight, vehicles of armed forces, and those transporting essential goods, production materials and export-import items, the HCMC Department of Transport said in the announcement.

The passenger vehicles must not have more than 50% of their seats in use. Passengers must follow the mask mandate, keep a safe physical distance away from others during the trip and at waiting areas and must file health declarations. All vehicles must be disinfected regularly and have hand sanitizers.

The Transport Department asked the Youth Volunteer Public Service Company to monitor and ensure that only the authorized vehicles are allowed to use the ferry services.

The department also requested the authorities of Nhon Trach District in Dong Nai, Thu Duc City, Nha Be and Can Gio districts in HCMC to send competent forces to the ferry terminal to help monitor and tackle violators.