Prime Minister General Prayut Chan-o-cha has signed an announcement on Regulation No. 28 tightening measures against COVID-19 in the “maximum and strict COVID-19 control zone (dark red zone).”
The regulation, which was published in the Royal Gazette on 18 July 2021, was issued under Section 9 of the Emergency Decree on Public Administration in Emergency Situations B.E. 2548 (2005). It will be in effect for at least 14 days, from 20 July to 2 August 2021.
The Government stressed the need to ease the COVID-19 situation as soon as possible by restricting the people’s movement out of their dwelling places in order to reduce the risk of COVID-19 infection. It has been found that the spread of the disease in Bangkok and its vicinity became more severe.
According to the regulation, the number of provinces in the maximum and strict COVID-19 control zone has been increased from 10 to 13. They include Bangkok, Nakhon Pathom, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, Samut Prakan, Samut Sakhon, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Ayutthaya, Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, and Songkhla.
In the urgent measures, people in the maximum and strict control zone should refrain from going out of their dwelling places unless necessary. They are prohibited from leaving their dwelling places, from 21.00 to 04.00 hr of the following day, except with permission from the authorities.
Heads of government agencies and private sector operators were urged to continue to implement maximum measures to reduce the amount of travelling done by officials and personnel under their responsibility, in order to prevent and reduce the risk of infection. These measures may include working outside the office and reducing the number of persons at the office.
Public transport must limit the number of passengers to 50 percent of its capacity, with physical distancing measures.
Food and beverage shops may open until 20.00 hr; it is prohibited to eat and drink in these places, which are allowed to provide only take-home services.
Department stores, shopping centers, and community malls will be closed, except for supermarkets, pharmacies, and venues for vaccination or other state medical and health services, which may stay open until 20.00 hr.
Convenience stores and night markets may open until 20.00 hr. As for convenience stores, they must stop operating from 20.00 to 04.00 hr of the following day.
Hotels may open as usual, without such activities as meetings, seminars, and catering. As for schools, educational institutions, and training venues, they must follow measures announced earlier.
The organizing of group activities with more than five people is prohibited. Checkpoints will be set up to screen and prevent people living in the maximum and strict control zone from traveling to other areas.
Source: PR Thai Government
Photo: Thai PBS