Pagodas, temples, and religious sites throughout the capital have been forced to close as of February 16 in an effort to curb the potential spread of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

The administration of Hanoi requests that all pagodas, temples, and religious sites temporarily shut from February 16 as a means of stopping public gatherings due to an increase in the number of community COVID-19 cases in the capital.

The management board of Ha pagoda places a notice on the door detailing their temporary closure as part of the COVID-19 fight.

Despite the closure of the site, worshippers place offerings in front of Ha pagoda.

A man performs a ritual outside of Ha pagoda.

A sign hangs in front of the Temple of Literature detailing how the relic site is to stop receiving visitors from February 16, with opening hours set to be announced later.

Local people perform a worship ritual outside of the Temple of Literature.

A number of local residents queue up to ask for calligraphic works at a stall located outside the Temple of Literature.

A similar situation can be seen at Quan Su pagoda.

A tranquil scene outside of Quan Su pagoda with only one worshipper present

In line with other sites, cultural activities at Ngoc Son Temple also stop.

Tran Quoc pagoda remains quiet on the fifth day of the first lunar month, or February 16.

Policemen are on duty in order to warn people about not gatherings in front of Tran Quoc pagoda.

A view of the area in front of Quan Thanh temple, with the site temporarily closed.

Hoa Lo prison is left empty.

A few locals take photos in front of St. Joseph's Cathedral despite its closure due to the COVID-19 epidemic.