Hanoi’s authorities have allowed the reopening of some non-essential services across the city from 0:00 am on April 8 after a year of Covid-19 related restrictions, the city’s People’s Committee announced today [April 6].

According to the spokesperson of the Hanoi People's Committee Truong Viet Dung, all bars, karaoke parlors, dance clubs, massage shops and internet cafes can resume their operation, providing that they ensure protocols on Covid-19 prevention.

A closed karaoke parlor is seen on Tran Duy Hung Street in Hanoi on April 6. Photo: Vuong Tran

The move was made after the city basically puts the Covid-19 pandemic under control, Dung said, adding that the decision means Hanoi will no longer impose any Covid-19 restrictions over the last two years to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

However, the spokesperson noted that all these establishments will have to meet the safety criteria of the city and local authorities, based on the assessment of the pandemic situation, would decide on the reopening.

These businesses also have to ensure safe distance among customers, check the body temperature of all staff and customers, and deny service to customers with symptoms like fever and coughing.

Masks are mandatory outdoors, people must maintain a distance in public and strictly observe Covid-19 prevention and control regulations.

Dung stressed that although the pandemic prevention and control has recorded progress, risks of community transmission remain as some people defy Covid-19 prevention and control regulations.

Hanoi's authorities have set the targets for the coming time, with the top priority given to ensuring public health and safety. Measures would be adjusted in accordance with developments of the pandemic so as to guarantee social welfare and business activities in the city, they said.

Activities in high-risk areas will be regulated in a flexible manner in tandem with the situation.

As of April 6, the number of new Covid-19 cases in Hanoi has dropped from the record 32,000 on March 11 to over 4,000 now. The city has crossed its Covid-19 peak and the ratio of people being vaccinated has increased.