Authorities have decided to relax the COVID-19 restrictions in most areas of the country, allowing some businesses and activities to resume operations as of Monday, as part of the government’s plan to help the national economy.
However, they will continue to apply substantial controls in all provinces classified as “red zones” in Bangkok.
So far, there are five categories of control zone. The dark red zone, with maximum and strict control, applies only to Samut Sakhon, which became the epicenter of the second wave of COVID-19 cases in the country.
Taweesilp Visanuyothin, Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration spokesman, announced the details on Friday.
He explained that the strictest measures would be imposed in Bangkok but that the restrictions would be eased in the provinces where the virus is under control. In Samut Sakhon, the businesses that can reopen are markets, restaurants, daycare, and elderly care centers for residents, business premises, and hotels.
All businesses must comply with control measures such as social distancing and limited customer numbers.
For maximum control zones or red zones, including Bangkok, Samut Prakan, Nonthaburi and Pathum Thani, the closing order remains in force for entertainment venues, bars, pubs and karaoke shops. But restaurants, schools, department stores, shopping centers, malls, convenience stores, exhibition and convention centers, and some activities can summarize as usual under disease control measures.
Thai traditional massage parlors, outdoor exercise venues, fitness clubs, indoor gymnasiums and boxing can also reopen.
On the other hand, In Bangkok and three adjacent provinces, migrant workers must use MorChana tracing app, and local communicable disease committees must approve their transport.
The 20 provinces in the control zone group will have further relaxation in business restrictions.
These provinces are Kanchanaburi, Chanthaburi, Chachoengsao, Chon Buri, Chai Nat, Trat, Tak, Nakhon Nayok, Nakhon Pathom, Prachin Buri, Phetchaburi, Rayong, Ratchaburi, Lop Buri, Samut Songkhram, Sa Kaeo, Sara Buri, Suphan Buri, Ayutthaya, and Ang Thong.
There, entertainment venues, bars, restaurants, shopping centers. Supermarkets, malls, convenience stores and department stores, and schools will reopen.
The sale and consumption of alcoholic beverages, musical performances, meetings, seminars, parties and donation activities will also be allowed – the latter apply with the tracking and check-in and check-out. Bathing, sex massages, traditional Thai massage parlors and spas, exercise venues, gyms, fitness clubs, and boxing stadiums can also resume operations.
For the 17 provinces that are close surveillance zone or yellow zone, the restrictions were further relaxed.
These provinces include Kamphaeng Phet, Chai Nat, Chaiyaphum, Chumphon, Nakhon Ratchasima, Nakhon Sawan, Narathiwat, Buri Ram, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phangnga, Phetchabun, Yala, Ranong, Songkhla, Sukhothai, Surat Thani, and Uthai Thani. There, the same businesses in the control zone will be able to open but can close later.
Finally, in the surveillance zone or green zone, the other 35 provinces will have the most relaxed restrictions.
All businesses authorized for the yellow zone can open in these provinces. Moreover, meetings, musical activities, and dances with social distancing and the sale of alcoholic beverages will also be allowed.
