Thai Government proposing three primary measures for control of Covid-19 Coronavirus-An accurate report from this afternoons government press conference

Bangkok-

Three measures have been proposed and were discussed this afternoon by the Deputy Government Spokesperson, Ratchada Tanadirek, to help control any potential outbreak of the Covid-19 Coronavirus in Thailand. Additionally, the measures were discussed in further detail at a press conference at 3:45PM this afternoon by Wissanu Kruagnam, A Deputy Prime Minister.

1. Postponing Songkran in April to later in the year, including moving the entire holiday to prevent a large migration of people going home. This is awaiting final cabinet approval and highly likely to be approved. The Prime Minister of Thailand has already given his blessing on this action.
2. Closing of Universities and schools. This is a proposal and needs to be further discussed by the Thai Cabinet and Thai leadership. Many have already been temporarily or voluntarily closed, but there have been no mandatory orders at this time.
3. Closure of places such as boxing stadiums, sports stadiums, cinemas, pubs, chicken fighting arenas,etc. with more than fifty people. Contrary to some other press reports, there was nothing discussed about a mandatory or country wide closure of all venues at this time. This is also a proposal and being discussed. If it goes through, it would be temporary and involve cleaning of the venues as well. Venues who have less than 50 people would not be affected by the proposal.

It was noted that several nightclubs had already voluntarily closed in Bangkok and some venues had been closed due to suspected and confirmed cases of Covid-19, such as the recent cases that came from a boxing match at a boxing stadium in Bangkok.

Restaurants, Bars, cafes, etc who have less than fifty people or control the number of patrons can remain open under the proposals but must ensure they are using proper hygiene standards, providing hand sanitizer for customers and prohibiting guests who show signs of illness from entering. Checking guests temperatures was also highly suggested.

The Pattaya News notes that some press has incorrectly stated that all venues were proposed to be closed, this is incorrect. There was also no official proposal about curfews or specific closing times, these were speculation and early rumors.

At this time, there are no further announcements on border closings or restrictions for coming to the country as with the heavily reduced travel authorities feel they can accurately screen and track arrivals at this time. Seventeen of today’s confirmed cases of the Covid19-Coronavirus were recent foreign arrivals caught through screening, officials from the Public Health Ministry stated.

The proposals above will be discussed by the cabinet tomorrow and looked at based on how the situation continues to develop in the country.

This has been a developing story and information as released from the Thai government has the possibility to change quickly.