'Face mask ATM' operated in Ho Chi Minh City amid Covid-19 resurgence

Nhat Minh

Aug 08, 2020 / 09:14 AM

The launch of the face mask dispenser is based on the experience of the machine that releases rice in the previous wave of Covid-19 outbreak.

A face mask dispenser, named face mask ATM, started operating in Ho Chi Minh City on August 6, providing citizens with free face masks as Covid-19 cases are surging Vietnam.

A face mask ATM is operated in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Tin Tuc

The face mask ATM either gives out one single face mask that is washable and reusable 20-30 times or a batch of several face masks that can each be reused 3-4 times.

The ATM runs from 10:00 to 16:00 at 204B Vuon Lai street, Tan Phu district. Similar dispensers are expected to be installed in other locations across the city.

The machine is an initiative launched by Hoang Tuan Anh, a local resident who launched the first automatic rice dispenser in Ho Chi Minh City, popularly known as rice ATM for needy people affected by the pandemic during the social distancing period in April. His idea was later replicated in many other localities nationwide.

The rice ATM initiative by Vietnamese entrepreneurs made headlines in international media such as Reuters and CNN.

Currently, Tuan Anh has raised 8,000 face masks through donations and expects to continue receiving support from the community.

He plans to put the rice ATM into operation also in Danang, now a Covid-19-hit area with 220 active infections and eight deaths.

In May, some lecturers and students of Lam Dong Medical College, Dalat city, launched a free “face mask ATM” to help local people in the city fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The machine was placed in front of the school’s gate during one week and is equipped with antiseptic solution dispenser for hand washing.

Vietnam “instant noddle ATM” helps needy people in Covid-19 time

19 Apr, 16:24

One hundred thousand of packs of instant noodle and more than 30,000 eggs are handed out for free to help needy people in Covid-19 time.

Vietnam’s rice ATM dispensers become int’l media spotlight

16 Apr, 13:40

CNN reported that ‘a machine that gives out free rice – it sounds too good to be true’. Other international media agencies also paid attention to Vietnam’s rice ATM dispensers.

Second rice ATM operated in Hanoi to help needy people overcome Covid-19

14 Apr, 20:35

The rice dispenser is of great support for underprivileged people.

Con Dao Island to launch first electric bus route by late 2025

The new bus network will connect major transport hubs, including Ben Dam Port and Con Dao Airport, to the island’s center, enhancing access to one of Vietnam’s most beautiful and unspoiled destinations.

08 Nov, 01:31 PM

Typhoon Kalmaegi weakens after leaving nine dead, six injured in central Vietnam

It's reported that floods inundated more than 103,000 houses, mostly in Hue and Danang, two of Vietnam’s leading tourist destinations, 52 houses collapsed and nearly 2,600 were damaged.

07 Nov, 05:57 PM

Hanoi steps up household waste sorting with stronger policies and local action

A seminar in Hoang Liet Ward on November 7 brought together over 300 policymakers, experts, businesses and residents to discuss practical steps to turn waste sorting commitments into real action and build a cleaner, more sustainable Hanoi.

07 Nov, 05:11 PM

Typhoon Kalmaegi sweeps central Vietnam with torrential rain

Typhoon Kalmaegi has been causing heavy rain from Quang Tri to Dak Lak provinces, with rainfall exceeding 300mm.

07 Nov, 11:16 AM

Nearly 270,000 soldiers mobilized as Vietnam braces for Typhoon Kalmaegi

Typhoon Kalmaegi, the 13th storm to hit the East Sea this year, has intensified and is moving toward Vietnam’s central coast. Cities and provinces across the region have activated their highest-level disaster response plans to protect residents and minimize damage as the storm nears landfall.

07 Nov, 06:25 AM