Authorities in Hanoi have decided to shut down all dine-in services, barbershops, and hair salons following a recent spike in local COVID-19 infections.

The closure began at 12:00 pm on Tuesday and will last until further notice, chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Chu Ngoc Anh said in a document issued on Monday evening.

Local eateries are still allowed to sell takeaway food.

Parties that attract many attendees, as well as activities and gatherings of many people at parks, flower gardens, and public locations are now banned.

Businesses and institutions are encouraged to allow their employees to work from home.

From Tuesday, all arrivals in Hanoi are required to fill in health declarations within 24 hours after they enter the capital.

Fighting the pandemic is considered the top priority as all measures will be tightened and those who violate COVID-19 prevention and control regulations will be sternly punished, chairman Anh stated.

Vietnam has documented 5,461 COVID-19 cases as of Tuesday morning, with 2,794 recoveries and 44 deaths, according to the Ministry of Health.

The country has recorded 2,406 local infections in 30 out of 63 provinces and cities since April 27, with Hanoi logging 308 cases.

A new cluster was recently detected at T&T Group in Hoan Kiem District and the Park 11 building in the Times City urban area in Hoang Mai District.

As of Monday evening, 18 cases linked to this cluster had been recorded, while the source of infection remained unknown.

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