With families across Thailand likely to come together this weekend to celebrate the Chinese New Year, health officials are concerned that the gatherings could potentially spread Covid-19. In Bangkok, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration canceled Friday's festivities celebrating the year of the ox in Yaowarat, known as Chinatown, due to concerns about Covid-19.
Health officials urge the public after reuniting with family and colleagues to practice disease prevention measures such as social distancing. Chawetsan Namwat, director of the emergency disease and health hazards control division under the Department of Disease Control, says strict social distancing is essential at family meetings and suggested virtually reuniting instead, using video calls to confirm there is no risk of infection, especially with elderly members of the family who are most at risk.
"When talking, people are advised to wear face masks or use chat apps with video call features to reduce physical contact."
Recently, social gatherings have been linked to some coronavirus infections in Bangkok. According to a spokesperson for the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration, 4 separate parties in Bangkok are behind about 40 cases of the Covid-19 virus. They say alcohol was the main influence in the practice of disease control measures in people who let their guard down.
11 people from 7 families tested positive for Covid-19 in Tak's Mae Sot district, who borders Myanmar. The infections are all connected to the same person. Following the recent cases, the district was declared a maximum control zone by provincial officials, banning large gatherings and imposing a mandatory 14-day quarantine on all arrivals.
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