A traditional market at Tan Thanh border gate in the northern province of Lang Son appears quiet these days amid fears surrounding the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19), although business has started to pick up ahead of the upcoming Lunar New Year (Tet) festival.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a steep decline in the number of customers visiting the market at the Tan Thanh border gate in Lang Son province, which borders the Po Chai border gate in China.

The downturn in business has led to many stalls being forced to close their doors.

The lack of customers means that sellers are typically free throughout the day.

A stall owner says that she has been unable to sell anything despite it already being midday.

These days products are difficult to import due to COVID-19 fears, a stall owner shares.

The range of products on offer have now been diversified, although there are only a few customers due to consumers generally saving their money since the COVID-19 pandemic first occurred.

A stall is forced to close as the owner can’t afford the cost of renting the premises.

The sharp fall in revenue has led to many stall owners halting operations.

The majority of the closed stalls had previously sold fashionable items and home appliances.

A stall owner sings karaoke due to a lack of customers.

Products are typically cheaper compared to last year, although stall owners struggle to attract customers.

A stall owner patiently waits for customers with Tet fast approaching.

All sellers wish that the COVID-19 pandemic will be stamped out soon so that customer numbers will return to what they were before the pandemic.