Bia hoi venues are almost empty in the city

Many infections have recently been confirmed in some localities including the capital city which has reported  21 coronavirus carriers, raising concern among locals. 

Hanoi’s authorities have taken tough measures so that the pandemic fight in the city would not take longer than expected. Currently, karaoke parlors, discotheques, bars or games and internet shops have been closed.

As noted by a Hanoitimes reporter, the city’s food business is bearing the heaviest blow from the pandemic.

Diners hardly show up at restaurants and eateries. The number of customers at most of the eateries in the city declined compared to the days before the resurgence of the Covid-19. This situation is unprecedented as in a festive season as Tet when people gather to celebrate.

The “Bia hoi” (fresh beer) eateries are deserted at a time when it used to be packed with drinkers. Some confessed that they have no longer come to the “Bia hoi” since the first cases were confirmed in Hanoi, marking the third wave of Covid-19 outbreak.

A restaurant manager in Cau Giay district said that the number of clients to the restaurant has decreased by 70-80% compared to the days before the disease outbreak.

Although visitors are sparse, this restaurant still has to maintain operations to retain customers.

Just a few days ago, these dining tables were always full.

Without customers, many stores have to close early. Even worse, many stores have temporarily suspended operations, allowing their employees to return home for the traditional New Year much earlier than expected.

Staffs at the restaurants and bars remain idle most of the time as the number of customers are decreased.

Tables and chairs are neatly arranged in the days leading to the Lunar New Year. The image is hardly seen in a ‘normal’ day.