Covid checkpoints proliferate in Hanoi's Old Quarter

Officials have barricaded the sidewalks around the iconic Hoan Kiem Lake to prevent people coming there to exercise. Authorities have constant patrols there to remind people and nab violators.
After two weeks of implementing Directive 16, that requires people to stay at home and only go out for necessities such as buying food or medicines or to work at factories or businesses that are allowed to open, initially, Hanoi has extended it until August 23.

Thuy (right), who lives on Thuoc Bac Street in Hoan Kiem District, picks up food brought by her children.
"I've been at home since the semi-lockdown began. I only met my children and grandchildren today, and so I'm very happy," she said.
Hanoi has two types of Covid checkpoints, one unmanned and with barricades that do not allow vehicles to pass through, and the other with police officers who check people’s documents and allow them to pass.

At a checkpoint on Hang Vai Street, Hang Bo Ward militia and police check a man's ID and documents stating reasons for travel.

People ignore warnings and go through a barricade on Hang Thiec Street.

People on Cong Duc Street stay at home, comply with regulations on epidemic prevention and control in the days of social distancing.

Besides Covid-19 checkpoints, the city also erects "Green Zone" on Hang Be Street to protect the area where no infections have been recorded.

People living in dormitories on Van Chuong Street have put up their own barriers to keep strangers out.
Chu Ngoc Anh, chairman of the city People's Committee, has instructed districts to call on people to set up barriers to protect their ‘green zones’ to keep them safe. As of Friday morning, Hanoi has recorded 2,258 Covid cases in the current outbreak, starting on April 27.