Thailand extends closure of venues as China COVID-19 cases keep lowering
Bangkok, Apr 29 (efe-epa).- Bangkok’s local government on Wednesday extended the closure of venues and stores deemed high-risk to the spread of the novel coronavirus such as bars, though it was announced that eight types of businesses would be allowed to reopen under strict conditions.
It comes a day after Prime Minister Prayut Chan-ocha extended the country’s state of emergency for a month until May 31, including a ban on inbound passenger flights, a nighttime curfew, and restrictions on social gatherings and interprovincial travel to curb the spread of COVID-19.
The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration announced Wednesday eight types of businesses that will be allowed to reopen with strict measures, including some restaurants as long as diners sit 1.5 meters apart, markets and flea markets with screening points, some barbers and hairdressers by appointment only, health clinics, golf courses by appointment, facilities for sports that do not require close contact, public parks, and some pet grooming shops.
All of these will require strict social distancing and personal protective equipment measures.
The date for reopening is to be announced at a later time.
The spokesperson for the Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration Taweesilp Visanuyothin on Wednesday announced nine new coronavirus cases in the country, to bring the total to 2,947. Six of the new cases had been in close contact with other patients, while two were healthcare workers and one is under investigation.
Another 13 patients were discharged to bring the total to 2,652 and no new deaths were reported. Thailand’s total number of fatalities stands at 54.
Meanwhile, in China, the National Health Commission of China said Wednesday that there are 647 “active” infections, despite having registered a small spike in new infections at 22, up from six the previous day, 21 being “imported” cases.
However, on Tuesday 23 patients were discharged, bringing the total to 77,578 and no new deaths were recorded so the total sits at 4,633. China also registered 26 new asymptomatic cases, bringing the total number of these patients under observation to 993.
Since the start of the pandemic, 82,858 cases have been officially diagnosed in the country.
Indonesia registered 260 new cases Wednesday, taking the total to 7,771. It also announced the death of 11 people, with the toll now at 780. Some ,1391 people have recovered from the illness, 137 of whom were discharged Wednesday. EFE-EPA
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