Shopping malls and large retail outlets selling construction materials will be allowed to reopen as lockdown measures are eased further on May 17 if there is no surge in new infections, Bangkok Post reported.
China and South Korea will also be the first countries to be removed from a list of the government’s dangerous communicable disease zones.
The issues were discussed at a meeting of the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha on Thursday.
Gen Prayut stressed that measures to assist people must be done with care and must not overlook anyone affected.
Taweesilp Visanuyothin, the CCSA spokesman, said the centre will gather opinions about the next round of disease control relaxation from today until next Tuesday and draft the relaxation measures next Thursday. “The next stage of relaxation will begin on May 17 unless the number of new Covid-19 cases soars,” he said.
After the first round of relaxation and reopening of small premises on Sunday, the second round of easing and reopening of bigger premises will depend on cooperation from the public and operators.
“If the situation is brought under control, shopping malls will be allowed to reopen. If each business can maintain [strict social distancing] measures, malls and other businesses can also resume operations. However, this also depends on cooperation from the people,” Dr Taweesilp said.
Sukhum Karnchanapimai, permanent secretary for public health, said large retail outlets selling construction materials and furniture may also be allowed to reopen in the next stage because buildings and houses in several provinces have been destroyed and damaged by natural disasters and their owners badly need to buy new materials.
Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration will meet the Public Health Ministry today to determine which businesses will be allowed to reopen in the second stage of easing.
Read more at Bangkok Post