Hanoi these days is reigned by peace and tranquility as the city began the 15-day strict social distancing enforcement in accordance with a prime ministerial directive. Only a few people go out for purchasing necessities, understanding that social distancing is not lockdown. 

The Dong Kinh Nghia Thuc square sees few local residents on the first day of social distancing. Photo: Tuoi Tre newspaper

At 6.30am on April 1, some local residents are seen doing exercises around Hoan Kiem Lake, keeping a safe distance of 2m from each other. Photo: VOV

Security forces at Hoan Kiem ward and Hoan Kiem lake asked people to return home in order to limit the risk of infection from mass gatherings. Photo: VOV

Under the PM’s directive, households, villages, communes, districts and provinces keep distance from each other. Only factories and businesses providing essential goods and services remain operational but take measures to to ensure workers health, including wearing face masks, keeping a safe distance from each other and making sure the interior spaces are properly disinfected. Photo: Tuoi Tre newspaper

Local residents are requested to comply with the social distancing policy. Instead of going outside for exercising, they are advised to do exercises at home. Photo: VOV

Unlike its usual busy pace, Dong Xuan market in Hoan Kiem district is closed as the local authorities ordered all the non-essential business establishments to cease their operations, except those providing indispensable goods and services. Photo: Tuoi Tre newspaper

Major roads of the capital, which used to be crowded, are deserted on April 2 morning. Photo: Tien Phong Online

Unfrequented Khuat Duy Tien – Nguyen Xien road axis in Hoang Mai district on April 2 morning. Photo: Tien Phong Online

Van Cao street, Lieu Giai ward, Ba Dinh district at “rush hour” on April 2. Photo: Tuoi Tre newspaper

Photos: VOV, Tuoi Tre newspaper, Tien Phong Online