 Health workers collect samples for COVID-19 tests (Photo: VNA) |
The nation’s COVID-19 tally remains at 268. Of those 268 patients, 223 have fully recovered, and only 45 are still being treated in hospital. A prime reason for these low numbers is 3 weeks of strict social distancing.
According to the Prime Minister's decision announced on Wednesday, all districts in Hanoi except for Me Linh and Thuong Tin, can stop social distancing. Many Hanoians have already resumed their normal lives.
This morning, Dinh Hong Thom of Long Bien district got up earlier than usual. She said: “The first thing I want to do today is go out because I've had to exercise in my house for the past few weeks, which was not very comfortable. Today, I can go out and get some fresh air. To be honest, just going out and seeing other people has already made me happy!”
Nguyen Hong Phong, an insurance agent who lives in Cau Giay district, opted for a haircut as the very first thing to do after social distancing. He said: “Having my hair cut is the first thing I have to do. I couldn’t do it during the social distancing period. Before going back to work, I want to make sure I look professional”
The happiest, perhaps, are the children. Some of them got up early this morning to go play outdoors.
“The first thing I want to do is play shuttlecock with my friends, a fun activity that I’ve been missing a lot.”
“I want to get back to school. I miss my teachers and my friends.”
Daily routines, even the simplest things, have lately become for many Hanoians objects of longing.