Hanoians embrace outdoor exercise after month-long lockdown

Many people came to Sword Lake to exercise at 4 a.m.
Starting Tuesday, Hanoians are allowed to participate in sport and physical exercises outdoors, but not in groups larger than 10.

Groups of people cyclearound Sword Lake around 5 a.m.
Hanoi has allowed some activities and services to reopen since daily new Covid cases have averaged less than 10 per day. This city has not recorded new positive cases for the fourth morning in a row.

Authorities had previously erected barriers to prevent people from coming to the Sword Lake sidewalks to exercise.
To curb Covid, the capital applied social distancing measures under Directive 16 from July 24 onwards. The directive comprises the country’s most stringent social distancing regulations, requiring residents to stayhome and only go out for basic necessities such as buying food or medicines or to work at factories or businesses allowed to open.
However, outdoor exercise was banned from July 8.

Luu Thi Hoa of Hoan Kiem District said: "My house is situated a few dozen meters away from the lake, but it has been more than two months since I have been able to come here and breathe in some fresh air."

A resident wearing a hat with a front shield rides a bicycle along Dinh Tien Hoang Street.
Hanoi authorities urged people to still strictly follow epidemic prevention and control measures when going outside.

A group of men play football on the sidewalk by Lenin Park.
Hanoi has not yet reopened parks and flower gardens, so people can only exercise incertain public areas.

The area around Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is also a favorite place for people to exercise outdoors.

A group exercises to music by Truc Bach Lake.

Cyclists cross Long Bien Bridge.
Hanoi has recorded 4,202 Covid-19 cases since the fourth coronavirus wave hit Vietnam in late April. The capital began relaxing its coronavirus restrictions starting Sept. 21 after spending around two months under strict social distancing measures.