Vietnam nears Lunar New Year hoping for virus recovery

Vietnamese people are making their preparations for the Lunar New Year of the Tiger, the most festive event of the year, amid warnings of caution against COVID-19.

In the old quarter of Hanoi, shoppers headed to the traditional market to look for decorations and flowers for the festival, which is called "Tet" in Vietnam.

The market is opened about a month prior to Tet, which falls on February 1 this year.

During that period, the streets are lined with shops selling decorative items in red and gold, the colours considered to bring good luck and prosperity.

There are, however, less visitors than normal this year as authorities have issued a warning against large gatherings and asked people to practice virus safety measures.

Vietnam has also cancelled scheduled firework shows and other festive events to minimise the risk of virus spread.

In the summer, Vietnam experienced its worst outbreak of COVID-19, which forced more than half of the country into lockdown for four months.

Daily case count currently remains at average 15,000 infections but low hospitalisation and death rates have allowed the country to reopen for business and other social activity resumption with caution.

According to the Ministry of Health, Vietnam has vaccinated 82% of its population of 98 million and 35% of them have gotten booster shots.

Image: AP