Hanoi authorities have lifted the order requiring venues and service establishments to close before 9:00 pm, which had been in place since last November to curb the spread of Covid-19.

The move which is part of Hanoi's plans for safe and flexible adaptation and effective control of Covid-19 and reopening to tourism was signed into effect by the Chairman of the People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh.

However, the venues need to comply with Covid-19 prevention and control measures dictated by health authorities. Bars, massage, and karaoke parlors will remain closed.

Foodservice establishments are allowed to operate normally but must ensure measures for the Covid-19 pandemic prevention. Photo: Thanh Hai/The Hanoi Times

The municipal authorities require people to follow Covid-19 prevention protocols including wearing masks, frequently disinfecting their hands, keeping a safe distance from each other, avoiding crowds, and making health declarations.

The city’s leader also urged people who have developed suspected symptoms (fever, coughing, breathing difficulties, loss of taste and smell) not to participate in public activities or busy events like weddings or funerals.

The restrictions were dropped as the capital city continues to lead the nation in daily new Covid-19 cases since last December, but with a very high vaccination rate.

Over 99.6% of the population aged 12 years and older in Vietnam have been fully vaccinated, while 80% of adults have received booster shots. Most infected cases have had mild symptomseaths and hospitalizations from the virus are also under control.

Hanoi will reopen weekend pedestrian spaces in downtown Hoan Kiem District from March 18 after nearly a year of suspension prompted by efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19, according to the municipal People’s Committee.

A traditional Ao Dai performance at Hoan Kiem pedestrian street. Photo: Pham Hung/The Hanoi Times

The move comes after Vietnam lifts most travel restrictions starting March 15, allowing foreign tourists to visit without booking tour packages. It is expected to help the capital city draw more visitors.

The pedestrian spaces include the surroundings of Hoan Kiem Lake and neighboring streets.

The area of Hoan Kiem Lake will be exclusively open for pedestrians from 19:00 on Friday until midnight Sunday every week. Meanwhile, the surrounding spaces will be closed to traffic from 19:00 to 24:00 during the weekend.  

Organizers of cultural and art events in the spaces are asked to strictly abide by Covid-19 prevention protocols.

Visitors are requested to make health declarations and wash their hands before entering the pedestrian spaces, and not to enter the area if they have any suspected Covid-19 symptoms. They must immediately notify officials at the nearest checkpoints if they find themselves or visitors showing symptoms such as coughing, fever and fatigue.

Localities must coordinate with the Hanoi Department of Tourism, the Department of Culture and Sports and related units to develop a plan to organize tourism activities ensuring safety, efficiency and convenience, while tourism authorities must work with hospitality businesses and travel agencies on Covid-19 protocols.

In the near future, Hanoi is expected to open a number of other walking spaces to boost tourism.