People begin to form lines in front of gold shops from early in the morning on February 3, with customers eager to purchase gold as a way of praying for fortune in the New Year.

As a precaution, gold shops throughout Hanoi hand out masks to customers to buy gold as a means of combating the spread of the acute pneumonia caused by novel coronavirus

People wait patiently in line as they prepare to enter the shop to purchase gold

One notable feature of this year is salespeople wearing masks in order to ensure health standards are preserved to prevent the potential spread of the corona virus.

In addition to the masks, shops also prepare disinfectant and handwash products.

Whilst some also choose to stock drinking water and fruit for customers

Many of the larger gold stores must prepare forms for buyer to fill in with information beforehand in a bid to keep the process of making a purchase more organised.

As a means of avoiding heavy congestion in front of the building, many gold stores prepare free parking spaces for their customers

This year the number of visitors heading to buy gold is poised to endure a significant decrease

According to many businesses, this can be attributed to the fact that the God of Wealth Day is falling during the ongoing corona virus epidemic.

To mark the Gold of Wealth Day buyers often choose to purchase gold bars and rings

Ahead of the occasion many gold and silver companies throughout the capital prepare plenty of bespoke items to meet the demands of customers

SJC gold is traded at VND 44.10 - 44.80 million per tael, whilst DOJI god is sold at VND44 - 45 million per tael

VOV

Hanoians queue outside gold shops on God of Wealth Day

People in Hanoi have started to queue to buy gold on the God of Wealth Day since early morning on February 3 or 10th day of the Lunar New Year.