The tomb of King Tu Duc of Nguyen Dynasty, a famous tourist
destination in Hue, is seen from above. Photo
by VnExpress/Vo Thanh. 

Authorities in Thua Thien-Hue Province, home to popular tourist town Hue, shut down tourist destinations, historical relics and banned gatherings of over 20 people from Thursday. 

The move came after the province recorded two new community transmissions in Phong Dien District with sources of transmission unclear.

Restaurants, street eateries and coffee shops are allowed to serve customers, but not exceed half their covers while religious ceremonies of over 20 people are banned.

Festivals, cultural and arts performances as well as swimming would be suspended while bars, karaoke parlors, dance clubs, pubs and beer clubs remain closed until further notice.

Provincial authorities also called on residents to limit going out for non-essential reasons.

Hue, capital of Thua Thien-Hue Province, famous for its Imperial Citadel and royal tombs, reopened tourist attractions and historical sites in mid-June.

In the ongoing fourth Covid wave that hit April 27, Thua Thien-Hue has reported 177 infections, out of the nation's over 237,000 cases.

Many other tourism destinations like Vung Tau, Phan Thiet, Da Nang, and Hoi An have also been placed under lockdown after Covid clusters were detected.