A Countdown Party in Hanoi. -- Photo: VNN

As an alternative to regular celebrations, the capital will organise several virtual activities and will broadcast a range of cultural programmes on local channels throughout December 31.

According to Hoan Kiem District’s People's Committee, all activities to welcome the New Year are to be canceled in light of ongoing pandemic developments around the area.

This comes after the district’s pandemic risk level was raised to Level 3, high risk, leading to a temporary halt to on-site food and drink services.

Nguyen Van Phong, deputy secretary of the Hanoi Party Committee, said at a meeting held on December 29 that during New Year and the Lunar New Year, the possible detection of an Omicron case will cause the COVID-19 situation to become more complicated.

Moving forward, the number of COVID-19 cases is predicted to rise due to the growing travel demand from local people, Phong said, adding that roughly 140,000 overseas Vietnamese have now registered to return home for the upcoming Lunar New Year celebration.

Chu Ngoc Anh, chairman of the municipal People's Committee, also asked local authorities and event organizers to ensure pandemic prevention and control while launching New Year celebration activities. 

Source: VOV/VNN

Art programmes to welcome New Year in Hanoi

A number of art programmes will be staged in Hanoi to welcome the New Year, according to the municipal Department of Culture and Sports.

Hanoi hosts Countdown 2020 in city centre

As many as 100 young artists will help ring in the new year with the musical extravaganza ‘Countdown 2020’ at Hoan Kiem Lake on December 31.