Thailand to take first step of restriction easing from May 3
The Thai Government has decided to allow six types of businesses and activities to restart on May 3 as the first step to loosen lockdown restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2.
People in Thailand wear face masks on April 28 (Source: AFP/VNA)
Bangkok (VNA) – The Thai Government has decided to allow six types ofbusinesses and activities to restart on May 3 as the first step to loosenlockdown restrictions imposed to curb the spread of the SARS-CoV-2.
Accordingly, markets, food shops outside malls, retailbusinesses, sport and recreation areas including parks, barber shops, and petsalons and nurseries are allowed to reopen their doors.
They, however, are required to maintain strict standards ofhygiene, including frequent hand washing, wearing of masks, and socialdistancing.
The state of emergency and the ban on sales of alcohol willstay until the end of May.
Taweesilp Visanuyothin,spokesman of the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said thatif new COVID-19 cases start to rise, the easing will be revoked.
The first stage of the easing of COVID-19 curbs will takeeffect nationwide on May 3 and it will take 14 days to assess whether or notthe next stages, including the reopening of department stores, can proceed.
The government plans to take two months to gauge theramifications of its planned four stages of relaxation of disease-controlrestrictions before it makes a decision on whether a full reopening can takeplace.
An assessment of each stage will be made after 14 days. Ifthe number of daily new infections remains low over the ensuing 14 days,further easing will take place, he added.
Thailand reported seven confirmed infections on April 30,making it the fourth straight day with one-digit new cases. By the end of theday, it recorded 2,954 infections, with 54 deaths.
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People in Thailand wear face masks on April 28 (Source: AFP/VNA) 
