Phuket allows healthy people to take off masks at outdoor locations such as beaches, parks and stadiums. Bangkok will also follow as soon as possible.
Phuket Governor Narong Woonciew has just signed an order allowing people in this southern island province to wear masks in certain places and situations. This is another step to further relax restrictions due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Bangkok Post said.
The order is based on a resolution passed at a meeting of the Phuket Provincial Committee on Communicable Diseases.
Accordingly, masks are still required to reduce the risk of spreading the virus, especially in places where there is no wind, no ventilation or crowded places.
However, people are allowed to remove their face coverings when they have to confirm their identity with the authorities, eat and exercise in large areas, on the beach, in parks and in places where a distance of 2 meters is possible.
The order is in effect from June 1 until further notice.
Tourists relax on Patong beach in Phuket. Masks are no longer required on beaches where people are allowed to stay at least 2 meters apart. Photo: Achadthaya Chuenniran.
Violators of the above ordinance can be fined up to 20,000 baht under Article 51 of the Communicable Diseases Act 2015. They can also be caught in violation of the emergency decree of 2005 and can serve a prison sentence of not more than 2 years and/or maximum fine of 40,000 baht.
Don Limnanthapisit, chairman of the Muang Kao Phuket community, said he saw nothing new in the order, except in cases where the wearing of masks is exempt.
Many residents said they understand that the Provincial Committee for Infectious Disease Prevention and Control is still concerned about Covid-19.
Tanes Tantipiriyakit, chairman of the Phuket Tourism Board, said the new order was that people were not allowed to wear masks on beaches, parks and stadiums if they were at least 2 meters apart.
In Bangkok, new governor Chadchart Sittipunt said he also wanted people to be able to remove their masks as soon as possible amid the easing of the Covid-19 epidemic.
However, Mr Chadchart said he should consult experts and the health department of the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration.
The Bangkok governor will also consult with officials about extending the opening hours of parks, pubs, bars and karaoke. This could reduce the density of people coming to these places, he explained.
dr. Permanent Secretary for Health Kiatiphum Wongrajit said Covid-19 restrictions are expected to be eased in mid-June.
He said mandatory mask wear would be restricted to people with underlying medical conditions, the elderly and pregnant women and would remain in place in poorly ventilated and crowded areas.
@ Sing News
