Hanoians jostle for mooncakes

To mandate social distancing rules, Thuy Khue Ward’s People’s Committee set up mobile stalls at Chu Van An Primary School for locals to buy mooncakes supplied by traditional bakeries, attracting thousands of patrons and causing mayhem days before the Mid-Autumn Festival on Sept. 21.

At 1:20 p.m. Sunday, many people wait outside the school even though the stalls are not open.

Local police and security forces keep reminding people not to push and shove.

Many people cut the line, trying to approach the gate and causing chaos.

From a speaker, a security officer keeps telling people to stand two meters away from each other.

After 15 minutes, the situation got better when people finally stood in lines, invading Thuy Khue Street, patiently waiting their turn to enter the school and buy the traditional cakes.

The scorching sun did little to affect people’s spirits.

Only five people are allowed to enter at once. Local authorities refuse to let those cutting the line or causing chaos enter the school.

Patrons have their body temperatures checked and sanitize their hands.

Each person is allowed to buy up to two boxes of mooncakes.

"Even though I have to stand in line a long time under the baking sun, I try to stay two meters away from others to keep myself safe amid the pandemic," said Vu Thuy, a resident of Tay Ho District.
The capital has recorded 4,157 Covid-19 cases in the fourth wave starting April 27, with 20 added Sunday.