As part of efforts to prevent a widespread outbreak of the new coronavirus, the Thai government decided to postpone Songkran New Year holiday and to temporarily close venues that attract crowds of more than 50 people, reported Bangkok Post.
Universities will be shut and courses moved online, Ratchada Thanadirek, a government spokesperson, said. The holiday will no longer fall on April 13 to April 15, but new dates weren’t announced.
The plan calls for the closing of universities, schools, international schools, boxing arenas, cock fighting arenas, bars and theatres nationwide to curb the spread of the coronavirus outbreak. The government will submit the proposal to the Cabinet on Tuesday, Ms Ratchada said.
Public Health Ministry spokesman Rungrueng Kitphati said on Monday the 33 new Covid-19 cases were roughly divided into two categories: 16 had come into contact with previously confirmed cases and 17 others had recently arrived in Thailand from foreign countries or were Thai people who work closely with foreigners.
COVID-19 UPDATES ON MARCH 16
Songkran postponed; venues, schools to be closed
Buri Ram governor orders ‘lockdown’ of province to combat COVID-19
Thailand confirms 33 new COVID-19 cases, total of 147
Army welfare chief tests positive for COVID-19, 60 others quarantined
Read more at Bangkok Post