In an urgent letter sent by the municipal people’s committee to departments and districts, entertainment facilities and restaurants with more than 30 seats will have to close until March 31 at the earliest.

The decision is part of measures to cope with the COVID-19 pandemic in the city. Vietnam News Agency (VNA) reports.

Earlier, the HCM City People’s Committee asked cinemas, bars, dance halls and theaters to close from 6pm on March 15 until the end of the month.

Chairman of the HCM City People’s Committee Nguyen Thanh Phong said the next two weeks were a critical period, requiring a combination of different measures and plans to cope with the pandemic.

Organizations and districts must be fully aware of the measures to ensure the community is safe.

— VNS