Thê Húc Bridge leading to Ngọc Sơn Temple in Hoàn Kiếm Lake is sterilised.  — VNA/VNS Photo Thành Đạt

HÀ NỘI — As of Tuesday, historical relic sites and tourist attractions in Hà Nội were closed for disinfectant measures amid fears of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Hỏa Lò Prison in Hoàn Kiếm District was closed after the city authorities informed the site’s management board about the visit of two British tourists on March 3. Both tested positive for SARS-CoV-2, said director of Hỏa Lò Prison Management Board Nguyễn Thị Bích Thủy.

“Camera records show that ticket sellers did not directly contact the two tourists. However, we have still temporarily closed the site for sterilisation,” Thủy said.

The Temple of Literature was closes from Tuesday in a bid to avoid the potential spread of the COVID-19, said Lê Xuân Kiêu, director of the Centre for Scientific and Cultural Activities of Văn Miếu-Quốc Tử Giám.

He said due to the impact of COVID-19, the number of visitors to the site has fallen.

The site would be sterilised to help ensure the safety of visitors, he said, adding that updates would be available on the Facebook fanpage and website of the site.

Head of Hà Nội Historical Relic Site Management Board Nguyễn Doãn văn said that other popular sites across the city were also closed during this time, for example relic sites at 48 Hàng Ngang, 5D Hàm Long, 90 Thợ Nhuộm, Ngọc Sơn Temple in Hoàn Kiếm Lake and Hồ Chí Minh Memorial House in Vạn Phúc Village in Hà Đông District.   

St. Joseph's Cathedral was shutting down from Tuesday. A notice in front of the cathedral says: “We are temporarily closed to visitors to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Thank you for your understanding and we apologise for the inconvenience!”

Meanwhile, tourists visiting the Hồ Chí Minh Mausoleum are requested to wear face masks. Hồ Chí Minh Museum, which is near the mausoleum has seen few visitors. The Việt Nam Military History Museum is still open to visitors. — VNS