Chiang Mai villagers go to war against virus
A Chiang Mai province subdistrict has taken the fight against Covid-19 virus into its own hands by locking down residents and setting up checkpoints to screen people entering the area.
Home to around 10,000 people, Khilek in Mae Taeng district has also gathered funds to buy materials for making face shields, disinfectants and other medical supplies to protect the community.
Anan Siriphakphokhin, Khilek’s headman, said residents were worried about the worsening Covid-19 outbreak.
“In Khilek subdistrict alone, about 30 returnees from risky areas are reportedly in self-quarantine after being laid off,” he said.
“Therefore, community leaders, the Chiang Mai Provincial Administrative Organisation, Local Administrative Organisations, and the hospital in neighbouring Ban Ram Poeng decided to lockdown the community and set up screening.”
Volunteers at each checkpoint are taking the body temperature and travel histories of people entering, as well as handing them surgical masks, face shields, and hand wash gels.
“Meanwhile, another group of volunteers are spraying disinfectant around homes, temples, markets and other public areas to prevent the spread of Covid-19 virus,” he said.
He added that many villages have established funds to buy materials to make face shields, disinfectants and other medical supplies, boosting the stocks received from local authorities.