Bangkok orders schools, colleges, department stores to be closed until April 12

BANGKOK — Bangkok Metropolitan Administration has ordered the temporary closure of many places it deems to be high risk for Covid-19 infection in the capital from March 22 to April 12.

The move follows the Bangkok Communicable Disease Committee resolution on Saturday, Bangkok Governor Aswin Kwanmuang said after the meeting of the committee.

Five provinces bordering Bangkok will also follow the capital’s lead by ordering the temporary closure of many Covid-19 high-risk venues from March 22 to April 12.

Interior Ministry permanent secretary Chatchai Promlert said on Saturday that the communicable diseases committees of each of the five provinces had made the same resolution as the one by Bangkok earlier in the day.

The following business venues in Bangkok will have to remain closed during this period:

▪︎Restaurant (can open only food section, which should sell only on a takeaway basis. The food section in hotels that serve only guests can be open)

▪︎Department stores, except the supermarket and pharmacy sections, as well as food zones (only for selling takeaway)

▪︎ Spa and massage parlors;

▪︎ Slimming centers;

▪︎Pet spa and grooming centers;

▪︎Skate and rollerblade arenas;

▪︎ Beauty salons and aesthetic clinics;

▪︎Theme parks, bowling alleys and arcade game centers;

▪︎Computer and internet café;

▪︎ Golf courses and golf driving ranges;

▪︎ Swimming pools;

▪︎ Tattoo parlors;

▪︎ Nursery and children care at home business;

▪︎ Elderly care at home business;

▪︎ Amulet centers;

▪︎ Cockfighting rings as well as training rings;

▪︎ Convention and exhibition centers;

▪︎All types of markets except fresh food vendors and food stalls that are necessary for daily life;

▪︎ Preschools, public and private schools, boarding schools, international schools, seminary schools, tutoring centres;

▪︎ Public and private universities and graduate schools, as well as vocational colleges;

▪︎ movie theaters

▪︎ boxing stadiums

▪︎ sports stadiums

▪︎ horse racing ground

▪︎ massage parlors

BMA has also urged private organizations to allow their employees to work from home, while government agencies are encouraged to alternate working times and days to reduce crowdedness in the work area.

“People should refrain from hoarding food and consumer products, as food vendors, convenience stores and supermarkets are allowed to open as usual,” said the governor. “If possible, avoid dining in crowded public spaces and order takeaway foods instead.”