Several shopping malls, cinemas and indoor playgrounds for children in Hanoi remain abandoned places over the weekend because of concerns over the novel coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, epidemic.

In normal days, Aeon Mall – the biggest shopping mall in Long Bien District - drew a large number of people from Hanoi and adjacent localities such as Hung Yen, Hai Duong, Bac Ninh. However, due to the fear of infection, the area was deserted on Saturday, February 8.

Vincom Center on Ba Trieu street, one of the busiest shopping malls in Hanoi, also spotted a few visitors, completely contrary to the scenes of other weekends with all stalls, food and beverage restaurants and entertainment areas crowded.

“Today's desolation is a surprise and never seen before, totally opposite to other weekends”, said Minh Truong, a regular customer of the mall.

Most of the booths in the center are deserted.

In some fashion shops, salespersons sometimes outnumber customers.

CGV cinema in the center opens just one ticket counter instead of popcorn machines and staff working at full capacity every weekend.

It’s dinner time,  and the restaurant is not welcoming a single customer.

A restaurant owner said that he may cut down half of the staff to reduce the expenses if this situation lingers until next week. Amidst the epidemic outbreak, people are recommended to avoid crowded or public spaces.

Childen’s indoor playground is abandoned this weekend.

Photo by VnExpress.