Hanoi’s weekend walking space around Hoan Kiem lake and the surrounding area will be resumed from today [September 18], Kinh Te & Do Thi reported.

The decision was announced at the virtual conference of the city’s steering committee for the Covid-19 response on Wednesday.

The weekend walking space around Hoan Kiem Lake in downtown Hanoi has become a brand name, a cultural venue, and a highlight of the capital city.

The weekend walking space in the capital city had been suspended since August 21, after some Covid-19 cases linked to the epicenter of Danang city reported in Hanoi. This was the second time the space ceased to be pedestrianized in order to avoid crowded gatherings in strict compliance with the city’s measures on Covid-19 prevention.

The municipal Popular Committee has decided to allow the streets to be closed to traffic to organize pedestrian streets during the weekend from September 18, since the city has spent 30 days without community transmission.

The People's Committee of Hoan Kiem district said that the resumption of walking spaces must meet requirements of security, traffic order and safety and urban order.

Pedestrians are requested to wear facial masks and fulfill basic hygiene and hand sanitation requirements.

The district's competent forces will regularly inspect and strictly handle violations to ensure Covid-19 prevention and control protocols.

Earlier this year, the local government decided to suspend the weekend walking space around Hoan Kiem lake as well as public activities in the area from February 7 due to the threat of Covid-19 and to avoid mass gatherings. It was reopened on May 15 after social distancing measures were lifted.

The weekend walking space around Hoan Kiem Lake and surrounding areas in downtown Hanoi has become a brand name, a cultural venue, and a highlight of the capital city, luring thousands of visitors during daytime and at nights in the pre-pandemic period.

It also contributes to creating a new lifestyle for Hanoi’s people, and promoting the capital city’s image - the City for Peace.

The walking streets normally are open from Friday night to Sunday night, from 7:00pm to 12:00pm in summer and from 6:00pm to 12:00pm in winter.