Meanwhile, students will only return to universities and colleges from February 8.

In January, Municipal People’s Committee agreed with the city Department of Education and Training’s proposal that the Tet school holiday would run from February 1 to 16, instead of starting on February 8 as originally planned, following detection of COVID-19 cases.

The latest move was made after the city has gone 12 days without new COVID-19 cases thanks to its effective measures to control the pandemic.

Viet Nam experienced the third wave of local COVID-19 transmissions since January 27, 2021, with 831 cases recorded to date in 13 cities and provinces, including Ha Noi, prompting 40 localities to switch to online learning.

Hai Duong remains the biggest COVID-19 hotspot with 643 cases, followed by Ho Chi Minh City (36), and Ha Noi (35).

Ten localities, namely Hoa Binh, Dien Bien, Ha Giang, Binh Duong, Hung Yen, Bac Giang, Gia Lai, Bac Ninh, Quang Ninh and Ho Chi Minh City, have gone 14 days without new community infection cases./.