Quán Sứ Pagoda on Quán Sứ Street, Hoàn Kiếm District, Hà Nội, is closed to public in a bid to prevent the spread of COVID-19. — VNA/VNS Photo Anh Tuấn

HÀ NỘI — Hà Nội authorities have ordered all religious gathering and activities at religious sites will be halted from May 29 until further notice.

The move came after a cluster of COVID-19 infections were detected in HCM City involving a Christian mission church in Gò Vấp District that has so far resulted in over 50 cases in two days, along with clusters of unknown source found in residential areas and business offices in Hà Nội recently.

In order to prevent the spread of coronavirus, the municipal People's Committee asked that religious organisations, dignitaries, monks, officials and followers in Hà Nội cooperate with the city in the fight against the pandemic by stopping religious activities until further instructions.

Religious organisations should also remind their followers and officials to quickly notify the authorities and medical establishments of possible COVID-19 infections so that measures could be taken to prevent outbreaks.

Religious organisations are also asked to encourage followers and the general public to observe the 5K message by the health ministry – Khẩu trang (facemask) – Khử khuẩn (disinfection) – Khoảng cách (distance) – Không tụ tập (no gathering) – Khai báo y tế (health declaration).

The Hà Nội People’s Committee also asked those associated with religious organisations to conduct lectures, ceremonies, and other activities via online platforms.

They have also been told not to invite foreigners into Việt Nam to conduct religious activities – especially ones who have arrived at or transited through outbreak-hit regions, and continue to hold off sending officials overseas for religious purposes until the Government allows such trips.

Religious sites in Hà Nội have been closed off for visitors from earlier this month when the fourth wave of infections began.

As of this morning, the capital city has recorded 257 cases of COVID-19 cases in the latest infection wave, while the authorities have closed off most non-essential services and asked people not to go outside unless necessary. — VNS