Tet celebration 2021 organized under rigorous restrictions due to Covid-19

Thanks to fierce and effective responses, Vietnam is among a few countries that succeeded in controlling the spread of Covid-19 in 2020. However, when the Lunar New Year Eve is getting closer, a new wave of infections hits the whole country, leading to the cancellation and postponement of several social and tourism events. In the most positive case, all Tet festivals and celebrations must be arranged with strict social-distancing measures.

In Vietnam, Lunar New Year, or Tet, is the most important and meaningful time for family gatherings and tradition flashbacks. During this holiday, many traditional events, festivals and special live shows are planned to fulfill people’s joy and excitement, which are expected to attract massive crowds.

However, a new outbreak of Covid-19 has been recorded in late January, again putting many cities on high alert when it is only two weeks until the holiday. With a significant number of new positive cases announced throughout the country and the temporary lockdown in Quang Ninh and Hai Duong, all Tet public customs will be cancelled in the two cities.

In Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City, many celebrating activities such as Tet cultural space, traditional markets, and public exhibitions are officially cancelled for social safety. Meanwhile, Hanoi’s Old Quarter flower market and Phung Hung mural walking street are still open, which requires visitors to wear masks, apply sanitizer and follow all social distancing rules.