(VOVWORLD) - Amid a surge of new COVID-19 cases in Hanoi, celebrating Christmas at churches was limited in the number of people. Some religious institutions such as Ham Long church organized Christmas celebrations online, but the Christmas atmosphere was still warm and sacred.
 St. Joseph Cathedral is brightly decorated, but it no longer sees a sea of people flocking there as in previous years. (Photo: Tuan Duc/VNA)
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As people thronged Hanoi’s downtown on Friday evening, local authorities banned traffic on some streets around St. Joseph Cathedral, located in the heart of the capital city, to minimize the risk of COVID-19 transmission. Lieutenant Colonel Vu The Cuong, Chief of Police of Hang Trong Ward, said Mass was only held inside the Cathedral.
“We have prepared plans to curb the spread of the pandemic during the holiday season. People are not allowed to enter the Church except invited guests,” Mr. Cuong said.
In HCM city, people celebrated Christmas in the new normal for the first time.
“Religious practices are very important to me. I’m so happy that we can attend Mass at the church as the pandemic has been controlled,” said Bui Quang Minh, a medical worker at a field hospital, who attended Mass at Fatima church in Thu Duc city.
This year, many people chose to celebrate Christmas at home to prevent possible infections of COVID-19.