This is the third time the operation of the space has been halted since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the capital city in early March 2020.

The move is made in accordance with the local authorities’ regulations on Covid-19 prevention and control.

The pedestrian streets include those around Hoan Kiem Lake, its neighboring streets in the Old Quarter, such as Hang Dao, Hang Giay and Dong Xuan Night Market. The space was op en from Friday night to Sunday night, from 7:00pm to 12:00pm in summer and from 6:00pm to 12:00pm in winter.

Earlier, the city canceled the firework displays in 30 districts and towns on the Lunar New Year’s Eve. H igh altitude fireworks will take place at a single location without audiences. The event will be broadcast live to avoid mass gatherings.

Chairman of the Ha Noi People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh requested a halt to festive activities and mass gathering events in public places and stadiums in the face of a COVID-19 resurgence. In his directive, he tasked local departments, sectors, and agencies, and district-level People’s Committees to regard COVID-19 prevention and control as the most urgent task now and keep adhering to the motto “fighting the pandemic is like fighting an enemy”.

In addition, the city will expand COVID-19 testing for F2 cases and those in quarantined and high-risk areas to prevent the spread of the pandemic.  Of them, F1 cases must be put on concentrated quarantine, F2 at homes and F3 under medical supervision.

Ha Noi had 23 cases of community transmission of the coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 from January 28 to early February 6./.

By Kim Loan