Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang today invoked the Infectious Diseases Act to order the closure of boxing stadia, bars, pubs, massage parlours, saunas, cinemas and fitness clubs, effective tomorrow (Wednesday) for 14 days, ThaiPBS reported.
The Governor’s order follows today’s cabinet decision to close entertainment venues in and around Bangkok, to stem the spread of COVID-19 infections.
The Governor also sought cooperation from all public and private organizations to suspend activities which would draw a lot of people to one area, saying that he understands that the suspension of social activities and the closure of entertainment venues will hurt, adding, however, that once the situation has returned to normal, the economy will recover quickly.
He also appealed to everyone in the capital to stay calm, hoping that Thailand will weather this health crisis.
In a separate news on Bangkok Post, it said SF plans to close 22 branches in Greater Bangkok, while Major will close all branches nationwide during the two-week period.
“Since the Covid-19 outbreak began, moviegoers at SF cinemas declined by 40-50%, or about 1 million admissions. It is not only because of the coronavirus, but also many big blockbusters have postponed their release date for an indefinite period,” said Suwat Thongrompo, chief executive of SF Cinema City Co.
Sources: ThaiPBS, Bangkok Post
Photo: Photo by Pitsinee Jitpleecheep via Bangkok Post