Visitors pray at West Lake Temple on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — A temple in Tây Hồ has been closed after thousands of people visited breaching social distancing regulations.

To mark the first day of the seventh lunar month, crowds of people went to West Lake Temple to pray for luck and prosperity.

Although the temple’s management took social distancing measures and asked visitors to sanitise their hands, an estimated 4,000 people still gathered at the gates.

Now authorities in Quảng An Ward have ordered the closure of the place of worship.

Đỗ Anh Tuấn, chairman of the district People’s Committee, said it will remain closed if people continue to visit in large numbers.

Since Wednesday, stricter social distancing measures have been put in place in public areas in the capital city.

Food and beverage establishment in the capital must arrange seats at least one metre apart and partitions are encouraged.

Staff at restaurants and cafes must wear masks and measure customers’ temperatures. Hand sanitiser must be available while frequently-contacted objects should be cleaned regularly.

Local authorities advised citizens not to go out unless it is really necessary, not to gather in big crowds outdoors and wear face masks when staying outside.

Deputy Chairman of the city People’s Committee Ngô Văn Quý on Wednesday ordered inspections at karaoke bars and dance clubs which despite ordered they must close, some remain open to the public.

Businesses caught flouting the regulations have been warned that they face fines and could be ordered to close. — VNS