No curfew but 18 provinces marked 'red' face strict measures for 14 days
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has decided to not announce a curfew anywhere in the country as it will only burden and inconvenience the public.
CCSA spokesman Taweesin Visanuyothin said the Public Health Ministry has proposed that each province should be marked out in coloured zones and measures should be based on the intensity of the situation.
The red zone will cover 18 provinces, namely Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Samut Prakan, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Samut Sakhon, Pathum Thani, Nakhon Pathom, Phuket, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nonthaburi, Songkhla, Tak, Udon Thani, Suphanburi, Sa Kaew, Rayong and Khon Kaen.
The remaining 59 provinces will be considered control areas or orange zones.
These measures will be enforced from Sunday and be effective for 14 days before the situation is assessed and new measures considered. However, CCSA said, if the outbreak worsens, provincial governors can introduce stricter measures.
Measures in place for the next 14 days are:
• All schools and educational institutes will only hold online classes.
• All entertainment venues, including pubs, bars, karaoke outlets, massage parlours, etc, will be closed until further notice.
• Any gathering exceeding 50 people must seek official approval.
• All banquets or gatherings must be cancelled or postponed.
• People should avoid going outdoors and work from home as much as possible.
• Interprovincial travel is still allowed, but travellers must check measures put in place in the province of their destination.
In the red zone
• Restaurants can serve food until 9pm and provide takeaways until 11pm. No alcohol can be served.
• Department stores and shopping malls can be opened until 9pm. Operators must refrain from holding any activities or promotions that encourage crowds.
• Supermarket, flea markets, fresh markets, convenience stores and similar places of business can be opened until 11pm and reopen at 4am.
• Stadiums and gyms can open until 9pm and competitions can be held without an audience.
In the orange area
• Restaurants can serve diners until 11pm, but no alcohol allowed.
• Department stores and shopping malls can be opened until 9pm. Operators must refrain from holding any activities or promotions that encourage crowds.
