A machine that gives out free rice -- it sounds too good to be true. But these "rice ATMs" have been set up around Vietnam to help those who need it most during the coronavirus pandemic.
Vietnam has 265 cases of the novel coronavirus and zero deaths, numbers that are significantly lower than the rest of the world.
But still, to prevent further spread, the government has enforced social distancing, effectively shutting down many small businesses and leaving thousands out of work.
For these people who are suddenly without income, businessmen and donors have set up machines that dispense free rice at several cities across Vietnam.
In Hanoi, rice contained in a large water tank pours out into residents' bags from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, according to state-run news agency VNA.
Those waiting in line are required to stand six feet apart from each other and they must use hand sanitizer before receiving their rice, according to local newspaper Hanoi Times.
In the central city of Hue, a rice ATM located at a college provides 2 kilograms (4.4 pounds) of free rice for local residents.
In Ho Chi Minh City, a rice ATM dispenses rice 24/7. And in Da Nang, two rice ATMs will be set up next week, according to VNA.
Latest Stories
-
Global financial institutions call for comprehensive treaty to end plastic pollution
5 mins -
Electoral processes, ethnoreligious cleavages threats to Ghana’s 2024 election – WANEP
5 mins -
Harnessing intuition, reasoning, and memory to navigate the AI age
31 mins -
Azumah Nelson Sports Complex: Gov’t advised to terminate project contract
46 mins -
Dumsor will be a thing of the past soon – Bawumia assures
53 mins -
Why do you always run to the media? – EC quizzes IMANI
1 hour -
Francis Doku charges government to market traditional festivals
1 hour -
Ghana records an average of 9,900 snakebites annually
1 hour -
Fella Makafui sets record straight on relationship with D-Black
1 hour -
CEGENSA celebrates mentors for nurturing UG’s upcoming female leaders in academia
1 hour -
Dr. Bawumia begins Eastern regional tour with religious leaders in Akropong
1 hour -
Akosombo Dam Spillage: Would victims have been ignored if they were in swing constituencies – Ablakwa fumes
1 hour -
Have capacity to influence policy – former MiDA boss to engineers
2 hours -
Silva to leave Chelsea at end of season
2 hours -
Ghana’s Online Freedom of Expression in peril, citizens’ rights eroded – Londa Report
2 hours