Bali's 'Day of Silence' hit by virus fears

The Nyepi festival calls on locals to stay at home for 24 hours and reflect in a self-imposed lockdown. - Reuters

BALI, Indonesia (AFP): Bali's 'Day of Silence' was even quieter than usual this year as coronavirus fears prompted authorities to scale back an annual celebration that sees the Hindu-majority island in Indonesia come to a near standstill.

Known as Nyepi, the festival calls on locals to stay at home for 24 hours and reflect in a self-imposed lockdown.