Factories urged to automate as defence against future outbreaks

He said that factories must now prioritise safety and hygiene when arranging their production lines so that workers are kept at least two metres apart.
He proposed that one way to achieve this is to increase automation so that fewer workers are needed, making it easier to maintain social distancing in plants.
The manufacturing sector should focus on how to reduce workforce density in factories, he added. Lunchtimes should be adjusted to prevent workers from crowding into canteens at the same time.
Meanwhile, the government could help reduce high-density workforces in some provinces by promoting investment in all provinces rather concentrating on certain zones.
This more evenly spread investment strategy would help residents find jobs in their home provinces, instead of having to move to densely populated industrial provinces, said Montri.
Addressing the Covid-19 lockdown, he said that provinces with no confirmed cases should be allowed to relax restrictions first, but their businesses must continue to strictly observe preventive measures such as social distancing, mask wearing and hand washing.
He added that public health concerns had to take priority over the economy at this time, otherwise the outbreak could escalate.