New regulations allow some relaxation in wearing masks during meetings

The Government Gazette website published the conditions issued under Section 9 of the Public Administration in Emergency Situations 2005.

The announcement says that people are required to wear a mask when out of home or in public places organising events with high numbers of participants and physical proximity.

If a group of persons are required to attend a meeting in a particular location for a long and continuous period of time, wearing a mask can be inconvenient and hinder performance. There is relaxation if the meeting prescribes screening measures based on disease prevention measures, social distance is maintained, the attendees are wearing a mask and show a Covid-19 test certificate of being free from infection. In these situations, the meeting supervisor may waive only during discussions or expressing of opinions at the meeting as appropriate in the circumstances.

Meanwhile, the colour-coded zones reflecting infection risk in different provinces has also been revised.

The number of provinces in the dark red zone, or highest control area, has been reduced to four provinces: Bangkok, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan. In these provinces, restaurants cannot be open later than 3pm, and the number of customers served at the site, should not exceed 25 per cent of capacity. Takeaway orders can be served until 11pm.

The maximum control area, or red zone, has 17 provinces: Kanchanaburi, Chonburi, Chachoengsao, Tak, Nakhon Pathom, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Narathiwat, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Ayutthaya, Phetchaburi, Yala, Ranong, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Samut Sakhon, Songkhla and Surat Thani.

Restaurants in the red zone can open no later than 11 pm and consumption of alcoholic beverages is prohibited in the store.

Regulated area, or orange zone, now includes 56 provinces. People can eat at the restaurant as usual, but consumption of alcoholic beverages in the shop is prohibited.