THE Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) announced that the test opening of a shopping mall will take place prior to the likely official further relaxation of the coronavirus lockdown measures on May 17 with the opening of Chatuchak market this weekend governed by strict measures, PostToday reported this afternoon (May 9, 2020).
Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin, CCSA’s spokesman, said that during May 8-14 there will be the sounding out of opinions on the phase 2 steps on easing the lockdown, and on May 13 the impact of phase 1 will be estimated. After that during May 14-15 the phase 2 measures will be drafted.
During this period there will be the test opening of one shopping mall to see how various measures work and what limitations there are in implementing them.
On May 16 the result of the trial opening of this mall will be estimated, and if all goes well, the lockdown will be further eased on May 17.
Asked if the government will check food vendors for Covid-19 infection, Dr Taweesin replied that these vendors are not in the six risk groups and the important factor is to protect oneself by maintaining the five key measures.
Meanwhile shoppers and shopkeepers started flocking to Chatuchak market from as early as 7 a.m. this morning after it reopened this weekend, May 9-10, from 5 a.m. to 6 p.m under strict control by the authorities, INN News reported.
While shops have opened their doors and certain activities are again allowed, the night market and hawkers zone is closed because curfew remains in place.
Bangkok Metropolitan Administration’s City Market Office set strict measures to protect against the spread of Covid 19 infection with only 6 out of 32 exits and entrances open, temperature being checked and walkways marked to ensure appropriate social distance.
It is also being thoroughly cleaned and disinfected to gain the confidence of shoppers.
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Chutuchak market this morning after it reopened again. Photos: INN News
I think that this re-opening may be premature, ought to wait at least till next month, to see if the present status remains stable.
On the other hand, this could serve as a test case.