A new virus that started in China and is popping up around Asia hung over the first day of the Year of the Rat in much of the region.Lunar New Year festivities were canceled across mainland China on Saturday and scaled back in the semi-autonomous city of Hong Kong, where residents also endured months of anti-government protests in the last lunar year.
The new coronavirus — from a family of viruses that also caused the deadly SARS epidemic in 2002-03 — didn’t stop everyone from going to temples, but many wore face masks as protection.
CHINA
Many people stayed home with temples, major tourist sites and movie theaters all shuttered as authorities sought to limit the spread of the virus.
Beijing canceled all temple fairs, a popular tradition in northern China with performances, games for children and booths selling snacks and New Year’s-themed souvenirs.
People in Wuhan, where the outbreak started, and more than a dozen nearby cities are unable to move about easily or leave after authorities shut down buses, trains and planes and set up roadblocks to limit the spread of the virus.
The Forbidden City in Beijing, Shanghai Disneyland and a major safari park are among the tourist destinations that have shut indefinitely.
HONG KONG
Crowds lined up just before midnight on New Year’s Eve to leave lighted incense sticks and offer prayers at the Wong Tai Sin temple.
“The atmosphere of Lunar New Year is not as good as last year even if there’s no coronavirus,” said May Wen, wearing a blue face mask. “Some shops closed down, and people aren’t in the mood to go shopping.”
In an annual tradition, a press of worshipers jostled for position to try to be first in line to plant their incense sticks and say prayers.
The city has canceled a fireworks show and a four-day carnival that was set to begin Sunday because of concerns about the virus.
TAIWAN
Thousands of people, many wearing face masks because of the viral outbreak, visited Longshan Temple in Taipei, the capital city.
Many prayed in the central courtyard and worshiped the goddess Matsu, protector of fishermen, in the rear courtyard.
Taiwan has confirmed three cases of the virus, including a Taiwanese businessman who works in Wuhan and a Chinese woman who was part of a tour group from Wuhan.
