Ministry issues guidelines for massage parlours before reopening on Monday

Under phase three of the government's easing of lockdown measures, massage and spa parlours are allowed to reopen from Monday (June 1.

The operator must send a weekly report to the department to assess the situation and compliance with virus prevention measures,
Dr Akom Praditsuwan, deputy director-general of the Department of Health Service Support under the Ministry of Public Health, said.
He said there are more than 15,000 massage and spa parlours.
Akom also laid out guidelines for massage parlour operators and customers. Shops that fail to comply will be temporarily closed.
Guidelines for massage parlours:
1 Open only one entrance and provide at least one-metre space between the reception and customers while recording personal details.
2 Shop operators must have a temperature screening point for both employees and customers.
3 They must arrange cloth masks, medical masks, and 70-per-cent alcohol hand sanitisers.
4 Everyone in the shop must wear a mask and keep clean.
5 Follow good health practices issued by the Public Health Ministry.
6 Massage chairs must be placed at least 1.5 metres apart.
7 Only one customer per room, but in case of a large room, a folding door or curtain should be installed to separate into individual areas.
8 Provide safe payment options such as online payment.
9 Prepare and provide clean clothing to customers. When massage is over, the clothing must be kept away and be clean.
10 Prepare a proper ventilation system.
11 Employees must change into uniform before providing service.
12 During service, talk to customers only when necessary.

Customers must follow these guidelines:
1 Wear a mask throughout the service.
2 Cooperate for temperature screening and provide true information about personal details.
3 Clean hands both before and after the service.
4 Follow the shop's advice.