Dining in will be off the table in six of Thailand’s most at-risk provinces, including Bangkok, starting Saturday, the COVID-19 task force announced this afternoon. Spokesperson Taweesilp Wissanuyothin said that the six provinces – Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Chonburi, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani and Samut Prakan – would impose new safety measures aimed at reducing the spread of COVID-19 to stem the current outbreak, including blanket bans on dining at restaurants. Takeaway will be allowed until 9pm. Additional measures in the six provinces include the closures of gyms and indoor sports facilities; outdoor sports facilities can remain open until 9pm, and sporting events can be held without spectators. Shopping malls can open until 9pm. Markets and convenient stores can open until 11pm. Gatherings of over 20 people over are not allowed. There is no overnight curfew, yet, but people are highly encouraged to stay at home, according to Taweesilp. He also asked all people to work from home. Mask-wearing is now mandatory nationwide. Since mid-March, a third-wave outbreak of COVID-19 spawning from pubs and high-end go-go bars arrived just in time to spread far and wide by heavy travel during the annual Songkran festival. COVID-related deaths and infections are spiking, with another 1,871 infections and 10 deaths logged today. The total tally since the outbreak began is currently 63,570 infections and 188 deaths, while 27,988 patients are still being treated at hospitals.
