City Hall lists places for reopening

This and other fast food restaurants were closed in Bangkok to help combat Covid-19. The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to permit the reopening of restaurants and other places, with strict conditions. (Photo: Wichan Charoenkiatpakul)

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration plans to reopen restaurants, markets, exercise venues, parks, hairdressers, clinics, animal hospitals and grooming parlours, golf courses and driving ranges.

Bangkok governor Aswin Kwanmuang said on Tuesday the city's current lockdown to curb the spread of Covid-19 was set to expire at midnight on Thursday.

The BMA had informed the government of its plan to reopen venues in eight categories, with strict conditions to ensure disease control. The communicable disease committee would make a decision on Wednesday.

He said restaurants would have to seat customers 1.5 metres apart, comply with opening hours as restricted by the emergency decree, and not sell alcoholic beverages.

Markets and flea markets would be allowed to sell their usual goods.

Sports and exercise facilities would be opened for activities that do not require people to gather closely - such as walking, running, badminton, tennis and table tennis. Sports that require teams, or players in close contact, would continue to be suspended. They included football, softball, volleyball and basketball, and also fitness classes.

Parks would reopen, but visitors would be prohibited from forming groups.

Barbers and hairdressers could provide only hair washing, cutting and drying, and must stop for cleaning every two hours. Customers would not be allowed to wait at the shops, and would have to make appointments. Staff would be required to wear face masks and face shields.

Pet grooming shops and pet hospitals would reopen, but a customer could bring only one pet at a time. The premises would have to close for cleaning every two hours.

Health clinics would reopen, but beauty clinics would remain closed. Golf courses and driving ranges would reopen.

Before entering such places, customers must have their body temperature checked, wear a face mask, clean their hands with soap or alcohol, and stay 1.5-2 metres apart from each other, the Bangkok governor said.

He did not specify a reopening date, but officials expected it would be Friday.

Mr Aswin said he would wait for the government's decision on whether to lift the ban on sales of alcoholic beverages.