Hanoi’s government has required immediate closure of eateries and entertainment establishments in the whole city following an increase in cases of coronavirus infection and risk of community transmission in the coming days.

Many shops in Hanoi have shut down due to the impact of coronavirus. Photo: Tainguyenmoitruong

The closure shall be applicable to cinemas, stadiums, karaoke lounges, bars, beer clubs, game shops, among others, except for filling stations and those of essential products like foodstuffs and medicines, Chairman Nguyen Duc Chung of the Hanoi People’s Committee said at an online meeting Wednesday.

Hanoi's move comes after the southern metropolis of Ho Chi Minh City shut down all eateries and entertainment facilities due to an increasing number of coronavirus cases of secondary transmission. At least eight people found infected with the virus are linked to a bar in the city's District 2.

The two biggest cities’ recent steps are in response to Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc's request to close shops of unnecessary services and minimize mass gatherings.

A few days ago, Hanoi’s mayor Nguyen Duc Chung called on people to stay home and limit outdoor activities to minimize contagion.

He also advised people to wear masks when outside, avoid the crowds, and keep social distancing.

Accordingly, the municipal police will check the implementation of all people who are subject to home isolation, and issue strict punishment to violators.

At the meeting on March 25, he said that the city is facing four major sources of transmission namely (1) Bach Mai Hospital (where two nurses have tested positive for the coronavirus and a 66-year-old patient who passed weeks under treatment at the hospital), (2) foreign visitors and Vietnamese people returning before a requirement for mass quarantine to all from abroad was in place, (3) domestic sources, (4) medical staff, mostly those are connected with the quarantine and treatment of Covid-19 patients. 

As of March 25, Hanoi tops localities in Vietnam in terms of infected cases (50), followed by Ho Chi Minh City with 34. Meanwhile, the suspected cases amount to hundreds.