Hanoi eateries regain composure as semi-lockdown relaxed

By Dinh Dinh April 23, 2020 | 04:00 am PT

As social distancing measures are eased, many restaurants and coffee shops across Hanoi again welcomed customers Thursday.

Many restaurants in Hanoi resume their business in the morning of April 23, right after the city was allowed to end the social distancing campaigns under the prime ministerial Directive 16.

Many restaurants in Hanoi resumed business on Thursday morning after the city ended its 22-day social distancing campaign started April 1.

Staff members of a clothes store on Hang Dao Street are cleaning and preparing to welcome local buyers after closing their business for weeks. Thuong Tin and Me Linh Districts in the capital are still categorized as high-risk localities because they are still having active Covid-19 patients.

A clothing store on Hang Dao Street prepare to welcome shippers after closing for weeks. In Hanoi, Thuong Tin and Me Linh districts are still categorized as "high-risk" due to active Covid-19 patients in these localities.

Xuan Hoa (R) and his friend take a selfie while having pho after many days. Last night, after knowing the nationwide social distancing campaign is over, I was excited about having pho this morning. I have not eaten pho for three weeks.

Xuan Hoa (R) and his friend take a selfie while having pho. "Last night, after learning the nationwide social distancing campaign would end, I was excited about having pho in the morning. I have not eaten pho for three weeks."

n a local market next to Dong Xuan market, local police keep a watchful eyes on people, asking them to wear masks and sanitize their hands before entering.

Near Dong Xuan Market, local police keep a watchful eye, asking citizens to wear masks and sanitize their hands before entering.

Tay Son Street slowly regains its former hustle and bustle.

A coffee shop on Dinh Liet Street is ready to open.

A coffee shop on Dinh Liet Street readies for service.

A police man goes to every store, telling them to follow Directive 15. People can go out normally but should still do so only when necessary. When going out, they must wear masks and keep a safe distance. Not wearing a mask when going out will continue to be fined.

A police officer requires everyone to wear a mask when venturing outside and keep a safe distance, or else face a fine.

The city will continue to prohibit bars, karaoke, restaurants, game centers and tea shops, which typically gather people in large numbers, from opening. Festivals and sport events will also remain paused.

The city will continue to prohibit typically crowded bars, karaokes, restaurants, game centers and tea shops from opening. Festivals and sport events will also remain paused.