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 and scaled back in Hong Kong.
People burn joss sticks as they pray at the Wong Tai Sin Temple, in Hong Kong, Saturday, Jan. 25, 2020 to celebrate the Lunar New Year which marks the Year of the Rat in the Chinese zodiac.
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.Many people stayed home with temples, major tourist sites and movie theaters all shuttered as authorities sought 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.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 city has canceled a fireworks show and a four-day carnival that was set to begin Sunday because of concerns about the virus.Thousands of people, many wearing face masks because of the viral outbreak, visited Longshan Temple in Taipei, the capital city.
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