Following recent instructions from the Da Nang government on the gradual lifting of restrictions in the city, drinking and eating establishments (including restaurants for weddings) can stay open for dine-in service at not more than 50% capacity from October 16.

As noted on October 16, the first day Da Nang allowed indoor dining, owners of food and drinks stores were eager to welcome back customers for on-table service after a long period of offering takeout and delivery services. Although it rained and people did not go out much, owners could not hide their excitement about the resume of sit-down service.

The owner of a ‘’My Quang’ eatery on Do Ba Street, Ngu Hanh Son District, said "The pandemic has impacted every aspect of life. Now we are so happy to welcome our guests back. I believe that with the city’s ongoing mass vaccination campaign, the pandemic would be contained sooner or later".

Meanwhile, staff at the Thanh mussel rice eatery at 119 Huynh Thuc Khang had to wake up at 4 am to buy some missing ingredients in preparation for their first day of reopening.

“I was so excited about allowance for sit-down dining service that I could not sleep. Although my shop has offered takeaway service for more than half a month, food taste better with on-table service "said Nguyen Thi Thanh, the owner of the eatery.

In a similar vein, staff at 136 coffee shop, opposite the Thanh mussel rice eatery,  were busy serving its dine-in guests. According to Mrs Kieu Thi My Hien, the owner of the shop, she and her staff were very excited to serve dine-in customers, which helped to create jobs again for her employees.

Coffee shops along major streets such as Nguyen Chi Thanh, Yen Bai and Le Duan were packed with customers on Saturday morning. The guests were happy to sit and enjoy drinks on the spot. Some customers invite one or two friends out to chat and discuss work after a long time at home.

Some photos recorded on Saturday morning by our reporter:

A ‘bun bo’ selling eatery on Hung Vuong Street, Vinh Trung Ward, Thanh Khe District opened in the early morning to welcome customers. Seating was arranged in a way that minimizes face-to-face contact.

A coffee shop on Phan Boi Chau Street, Thach Thang Ward, Hai Chau District requires guests to make medical declaration with QR Codes on the DanangSmartCity app.

Many people own the 'COVID Green Cards'

Although it was raining, people still came to coffee shops to enjoy drinks.

Staff at eateries wearing face masks when selling goods

A dad took her daughter to eat out in a restaurant, enjoying the fun of the weekend morning

 Reporting by QUYNH TRANG, XUAN SON - Translating by M.DUNG