Many streets in Hanoi are crowded these days and people go shopping without keeping a safe distance from others although the city has been ordered to continue social distancing until at least April 22 because it is one of the 12 provinces/city nationwide that have high coronavirus infection risk. 

Many residents were waiting for traffic light in O Cho Dua street, Dong Da district.

In some streets in Hanoi, even though selling non-essential goods is banned but these stores are open while the social isolation policy is in place.

A motorbike repair store in Tran Phu street.

Some motorbike repair stores and fashion shops in Tran Phu street are still open. In Ha Trung and Phung Hung streets, despite the temporary closure order, some coffee shops remain open.

Coffee gatherings in Ha Trung street.

Local shoppers at supermarket

In some supermarkets and convenience stores in Hanoi such as Big C, Vinmart, most of the clients were not aware of the safe distance, customers even jostled despite the regulations of supermarkets and convenience stores on keeping a safe distance of at least 2m from others.

At Nam Dong wet market.

The same situation is seen at wet markets. Most people only remind each other to disinfect, wear face masks, but keeping the safe distance from others is almost neglected.

In recent times, the authorities have fiercely checked and dealt with business establishments that deliberately ignore the Prime Minister's order on social distancing. Many people and organizations are still stealthily operating. The authorities warn that with only a few people breaching the order, social distance would be in vain.

Photos: Le Nam (Kinh te & Do thi)