Hanoi may suspend non-essential activities on large scale

The capital on Saturday classified six districts, Hoan Kiem, Ba Dinh, Hoang Mai, Long Bien, Nam Tu Liem and Tay Ho, as having high coronavirus risks. Including Dong Da and Hai Ba Trung, eight out of 12 Hanoi districts are now classified as having high coronavirus risks.

Dong Da and Hai Ba Trung have already suspended in-person dining, sports activities and religious gatherings.

Per existing Covid-19 prevention protocols, places deemed as having high coronavirus risks will need to suspend certain non-essential activities like on-site dining, cultural, sporting and entertainment activities. Food and beverage establishments must also be closed before 9 p.m., and wet markets be suspended.

On a whole, Hanoi still classifies as having a medium coronavirus risk. Throughout the entire city, only Phuc Tho District remains at low risk.

Hanoi has recorded the highest number of daily new Covid-19 infections, typically around 1,500 cases. Around 98 percent of its adult population have received at least one Covid-19 vaccine dose.