A number of bars and sidewalk eateries in Ho Chi Minh City continued to receive customers on the night of February 16, despite the local administration requesting them to temporarily close in an effort to prevent the spread of community infections of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

Numerous locals gather at street venues throughout Pham Van Dong street on the night of February 16 without face masks.

A similar situation can be seen at a restaurant on Truong Sa street which is packed with dozens of people. In addition, customers fail to wear face masks, use hand sanitizer, or maintain a two-metre distance to curb the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Residents chat without face masks, in spite of the risks of potentially spreading COVID-19 in crowds.

Dozens of motorbikes can be seen parked in front of a restaurant on Phan Xich Long street at 11 p.m. on February 16.

A group of locals huddle together in front of a coffee shop on Quach Thi Trang street in District 1 at midnight on February 16.

A number of coffee shops and pubs on Tran Hung Dao and Nguyen Trai streets in District 1 receive guests late on the fifth day of the first lunar month.

A coffee shop based on Nguyen Trai street remains crowded at midnight on February 16, with the majority of customers being young people. As of February 16, Ho Chi Minh City has recorded 36 positive COVID-19 cases, with outbreaks occurring at Tan Son Nhat International Airport.

An urgent meeting held on February 8 saw Nguyen Thanh Phong, chairman of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, request the temporarily closure of all beauty salons, karaoke palours, nightclubs, restaurants, bars, beer clubs, massage, sauna parlours, and e-game stores in the southern city as part of prevention efforts.

Photos: Zingnews.vn