Buses empty as Hanoians flock to cafes, eateries

The capital city allowed the reopening of a slew of services starting 6 a.m. Thursday, including parks, hotels, public transport and indoor dining.

Despite the rains triggered by a tropical depression Thursday morning, people went out walking, jogging and doing other exercises at the Lenin Park.

A person scans a QR code for medical declaration before entering a pho shop on Hai Ba Trung Street.

The owner and an employee of a pho shop on Lo Duc Street prepare to serve bowls of iconic hot noodle soup to seated customers. Both owners and employees have to be fully vaccinated to run their business.

Screens separate customers on either side of a table.

A coffee shop on Ba Trieu Street is full of customers Thursday morning.

Buses wait for passengers on Dinh Tien Hoang Street. No more than 20 passengers can be on a bus at the same time. Public buses will run between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m.

"It's good to be back at work. This bus runs on the Hoan Kiem Lake-My Dinh line, and we have only had 4-5 passengers since morning," said driver Duong Van Hien.

All passengers are required to medically declare themselves while getting into the bus to allow for contact tracing in case an infection is detected. All passengers, drivers and attendants must be vaccinated with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot.

A taxi on Cua Bac Street. Starting Thursday, taxi and ride-hailing companies can press into service a limited number of vehicles under nine seats.

"It was really boring to stay home. I was so glad to hear about the resumption of services, so I have come out to clear my mind. I have had only one ride since morning. Maybe people are still afraid of the coronavirus," said taxi driver Vu Van Tuan.