Bangkok asks for cooperation to refrain from all New Year activities
The governor of Bangkok, General Asawin Kwanmuang, along with his deputy Lt-General Sophon Phisutthiwong, called an urgent meeting of relevant agencies, such as the Department of Disease Control, the Ministry of Interior and hospital directors in Bangkok to assess the situation amid the risk of the Covid-19 virus spreading after the outbreak in Samut Sakhon province and nearby areas.
Pongsakorn Kwanmuang, a spokesman for the city administration, said the meeting was called as Bangkok is a neighbouring province of Samut Sakhon and is vulnerable to the epidemic spreading.
Two persons who have been found to be infected in Bangkok had travelled to the affected area. Therefore, Bangkok will have a proactive investigation, especially in 472 markets, including construction sites and the places where the goods were picked up from Samut Sakhon province.
The committees of the Communicable Diseases Committee emphasised three main locations to prevent an outbreak:
1. Entertainment establishments, pubs, bars, entertainment venues and establishments similar to entertainment venues will see more stringent preventive measures by prohibiting dancing or gathering of crowds. Table must not be less than 1.5 metres apart.
2. Boxing stadium, which had seen an outbreak months ago, must be strict about people wearing masks and implement preventive measures, including limiting the number of visitors.
3. Markets must emphasise on 100 per cent wearing of masks.
Meanwhile, people can visit public parks and temples wearing a mask.
The Bangkok administration has asked for cooperation from every sector to refrain from New Year activities. If they want the event to be organised, permission must be requested by applying to the Bangkok Health Office with a strict disease control plan.
Bangkok has coordinated with schools in three districts, which are in the boundary area of Samut Sakhon province, namely Bang Khun Thian, Bang Bon, and Nong Khaem, to be closed for 14 days, from December 21 to January 4. The schools must have a study plan and online teaching arrangements. As for schools in other areas, if it is deemed appropriate to close, the decision can be made by the school administrator to reduce the risk of further transmission.
