The gathering limitations would not be applied in offices, schools, hospitals and other locations for election purposes, according to a directive issued by Chu Ngoc Anh, chairman of the municipal People's Committee. Vietnam will hold its general election for legislators of different levels on May 23.

All meetings and other non-essential events with large gatherings will be suspended. Essential ones would require approval from authorities and the number of participants must not exceed half of the venues' maximum capacity, it said.

People are required to stay two meters away from each other in public, and coronavirus prevention measures like mask wearing must be abided by. For places that sell food and beverages near hospitals, only takeaways are allowed.

Food and beverage businesses and convenience stores around hospitals with coronavirus cases like the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases and the K Hospital that treats cancer must suspend operations. Apartments for rent must be shut down as well, the directive said.

Vietnam is currently facing its toughest Covid-19 wave yet, which has seen 486 community cases in 26 cities and provinces since late last month. On Monday, 125 community cases were recorded in a single day, the highest daily infection tally observed ever since the disease appeared in Vietnam early last year.

Hanoi in particular has recorded 144 cases in total, with 93 cases recorded in its now locked-down National Hospital for Tropical Diseases and K Hospital.

The capital has already suspended non-essential services like bars, dance clubs and karaoke parlors, as well as outdoor food stalls and cafes, to curb the spread of the disease.