HCMC – The government of Hoan Kiem District in Hanoi City has ordered the closure of the pedestrian spaces in the district, starting from today, August 21, until further notice from the Hanoi government.
Vice Chairman of Hoan Kiem District Dinh Hong Phong told VietnamPlus that the suspension was aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19, which followed the municipal government’s directives over Covid-19 infection prevention and control measures.
Hoan Kiem District is home to three pedestrian spaces comprising the Hoan Kiem Lake area, the Hang Dao-Dong Xuan Night Market and the Hanoi Old Quarter conservation area, with the Hoan Kiem Lake pedestrian area attracting an average of up to 5,000 visitors during the daytime everyday.
Several art performances and sports events are often organized at Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Sword Lake, with large crowds gathering there, posing a high risk of Covid-19 community transmission.
Trade activities at the Hang Dao-Dong Xuan Night Market and art and cultural performances at the Hanoi Old Quarter also attract many revelers.
Since the coronavirus outbreak in Vietnam in early 2020, Hoan Kiem District has closed off its pedestrian areas twice.
