Although Hanoi has loosened social distancing rules from September 21, gatherings in public places are still strictly banned. People are advised to only go out when necessary.
The city authorities have warned people about possible Covid-19 spreading after local streets and shopping centres were jammed with visitors during the Mid-Autumn Festival on September 22.
However, many people flocked to morning exercises around Hoan Kiem Lake on September 23. They were mainly cycling and walking. Sometimes the streets got very crowded.
Police were sent to remind people to follow the regulations. Many people turned around when they saw the police.
Police in Hoan Kiem District said that they had issued fines to four women who were found walking their dogs around the Hoan Kiem Lake.
Many people have expressed concerns that the Mid-Autumn Festival celebrations and the gatherings for morning exercises could lead to new Covid-19 outbreaks.
Hanoi has recorded over 4,000 Covid-19 cases since the fourth coronavirus wave started in late April. The capital has vaccinated around 5.7 million people or over 60% of the population with at least one Covid-19 vaccine shot.