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The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration said on Sunday that it was canceling all public new year countdown celebrations and they were asking private companies to do the same after a Covid-19 outbreak in nearby Samut Sakhon.
The Ministry of Public Health said on Sunday that it had discovered 689 confirmed coronavirus cases in Samut Sakhon, mostly isolated to migrant worker dormitories.
Two of the new cases traveled to Bangkok after visiting Samut Sakhon.
In addition to cancelling the new years countdown, the BMA said on Sunday it was setting up checkpoints for vehicles entering the capital.
It is also asking businesses and public organizations to allow workers to work from home for the next 14 days.
While restaurants and bars can still open, the BMA has asked owners to ensure social distancing and to no longer allow dancing and festivities.
Gatherings at religious institutions must respect social distancing and mass gatherings at parked are now banned for the next fourteen days.
The BMA has also asked citizens to download its contact tracing app Thai Chana and to maintain strict vigilance.
1. Entertainment establishments, pubs, bars, entertainment venues and establishments similar to entertainment venues will see more stringent preventive measures by prohibiting dancing or gathering of crowds. Table must not be less than 1.5 metres apart.
2. Boxing stadium, which had seen an outbreak months ago, must be strict about people wearing masks and implement preventive measures, including limiting the number of visitors.
3. Markets must emphasise on 100 per cent wearing of masks.
Meanwhile, people can visit public parks and temples wearing a mask.
The Bangkok administration has asked for cooperation from every sector to refrain from New Year activities. If they want the event to be organised, permission must be requested by applying to the Bangkok Health Office with a strict disease control plan.
Bangkok has coordinated with schools in three districts, which are in the boundary area of Samut Sakhon province, namely Bang Khun Thian, Bang Bon, and Nong Khaem, to be closed for 14 days, from December 21 to January 4. The schools must have a study plan and online teaching arrangements. As for schools in other areas, if it is deemed appropriate to close, the decision can be made by the school administrator to reduce the risk of further transmission.
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