Despite the administration of Hanoi ordering the closure of street food businesses in the capital from February 16 in an effort to prevent the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, many stall owners have ignored the request and remained open.

Some pavement eateries operating on Quang Trung street in Ha Dong district arrange tables on the sidewalk to welcome guests, despite local authorities warning them of the need to implement COVID-19 prevention and control measures.

Sellers fail to wear face masks whilst serving customers.

Crowds gather at an iced tea shop operating on the pavement in Dong Da district, although police forces remind them of the need to follow the Health Ministry’s guidelines on COVID-19 prevention measures.

Public gatherings continue at an iced tea shop on Quan Thanh street, with local people not wearing face masks or maintaining a safe distance to curb the spread of SARS-CoV-2.

Local authorities request that restaurants operate indoors, with customers maintaining a distance of one metre or two metres, with shields and disinfectant being used frequently. However, a number of restaurants continue to operate outdoors.

People gather at an outdoor restaurant with no social distancing whilst customers don’t wear face masks on Nguyen Huu Tho street in Hoang Mai district.

Groups of men gather at a beer restaurant, with each table seating up to 10 diners.

The scene at a beer restaurant in Hanoi

Some restaurant owners arrange shields in an effort to maintain hygiene standards and follow the Health Ministry’s guidelines on COVID-19 prevention measures.

Thuy, a restaurant manager in Ha Dong district, says she has experience in the past and is easily able to implement the new regulations of local authorities. This sees shields made whilst she is able to give notice to each table urging diners to maintain a two-metre safe distance.

If the venue becomes too crowded, she often decides to stop receiving any customers in order to follow the Health Ministry’s guidelines.

Solidarity and awareness among locals will prove key to success in the COVID-19 fight.