A number of stores in the centre of Hà Nội have been closed. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Tùng

HÀ NỘI — Authorities in Hà Nội have ordered the temporary closure of all bars, massage parlours, karaoke clubs and cinemas to avoid large crowds.

The municipal People’s Committee sent a document to local authorities on Wednesday morning as the number of COVID-19 infection cases in the city keeps rising.

Unnecessary business services like dance clubs, gaming venues and activities involving many people like sports events must be halted.

Businesses providing necessary services like food and petrol can operate as normal.

The authorities also asked people to avoid gathering in large crowds, encouraged them to work and study from home.

Religious and worship centres have been ordered not to hold events with large numbers of participants.

HCM City also ordered the closure of all restaurants, beer clubs, beauty centres, barber shops and gyms from 6pm on Tuesday, March 24.

Việt Nam recorded 134 COVID-19 cases as of 4pm on Wednesday.

Hà Nội and HCM City are the two localities with the highest number of patients. — VNS