Tay Ho Temple closed after crowds flock to worship

Authorities in Hanoi have closed the Tay Ho Temple for virus prevention after hundreds of people were seen visiting the place on the first day of the seventh lunar month.

Authorities in Hanoi have closed the Tay Ho Temple for virus prevention after hundreds of people were seen visiting the place on the first day of the seventh lunar month.

 

People flock to Tay Ho Temple on August 19.

During a meeting with Hanoi Steering Committee for Covid-19 Prevention and Control on August 19, Ngo Van Quy, vice chairman of Hanoi People's Committee, asked the authorities in Tay Ho District explained the large number of people at Tay Ho Temple.

Do Anh Tuan, chairman of Tay Ho People's Committee, said they had sent employees to inspect all religious premises, especially Tay Ho Temple, and asked them to strictly follow all preventive measures including allowing no more than 30 visitors in the same yard.

Tuan said everything was still under control in the morning of August 19. "However, more people came in the afternoon and the prevention work was affected," he said.

Tay Ho District authorities have asked the authorities in Quang An Ward to temporarily close the Tay Ho Temple from 3 pm of August 20. The authorities may keep the temple shut if the number of visitors isn't regulated as directed.

Tran Thi Van Anh, deputy director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said they had worked with the authorities in Quang An and Tay Ho to raise public awareness about prevention measures when they visit Tay Ho Temple but the number of visitors was high because lunar July is when Vu Lan and the Amnesty of Unquiet Spirits Festival is held.

Tay Ho Temple Management Board said they had announced that visitors must follow prevention rules but many people still didn't wear face masks or maintain a safe distance from each other. Many people also didn't wash hands before entering.