Pagodas and temples close in Hanoi amid COVID-19 fears
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(VOVWORLD) - Pagodas, temples, and religious sites throughout the capital have been forced to close as of February 16 in an effort to curb a risk of spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
 The administration of Hanoi requests that all pagodas, temples, and religious sites temporarily shut from February 16 as a means of stopping public gatherings due to an increase in the number of community COVID-19 cases in the capital. |
 The management board of Ha pagoda places a notice on the door detailing their temporary closure as part of the COVID-19 fight. |
 Despite the closure of the site, worshippers place offerings in front of Ha pagoda. |
 A man performs a ritual outside of Ha pagoda. |
 A sign hangs in front of the Temple of Literature detailing how the relic site is to stop receiving visitors from February 16, with opening hours set to be announced later. |
 Local people perform a worship ritual outside of the Temple of Literature. |
 A number of local residents queue up to ask for calligraphic works at a stall located outside the Temple of Literature. |
 A similar situation can be seen at Quan Su pagoda. |
 A tranquil scene outside of Quan Su pagoda with only one worshipper present |
 In line with other sites, cultural activities at Ngoc Son Temple also stop. |
 Tran Quoc pagoda remains quiet on the fifth day of the first lunar month, or February 16. |
 Policemen are on duty in order to warn people about not gatherings in front of Tran Quoc pagoda. |
 A view of the area in front of Quan Thanh temple, with the site temporarily closed. |
 Hoa Lo prison is left empty. |
 A few locals take photos in front of St. Joseph's Cathedral despite its closure due to the COVID-19 epidemic. |
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