BANGKOK, March 17 (TNA) – Thailand steps up measures to
limit the spread of coronavirus with a 14-day closure of all schools,
entertainment venues, movie theaters and other public gatherings in Bangkok and
adjacent provinces.
After the measures forwarded by a special coronavirus task
force, the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha approved
the recommendation on Tuesday.
The moves came after the number of Covid-19 cases jumped to
177. Thirty new coronavirus infections
were reported on Tuesday.
Along with the measures, the government also announced
postponement of the traditional Songkran New Year holiday which falls on April
13-15.
All civil servants and state enterprise employees are
prohibited from taking unnecessary overseas trip.
The big jumps of new cases in the past week are believed to
have been linked to a bar and a crowded boxing match.
Private businesses are encouraged to respond to the new
measures and adopt their own actions to help prevent the virus from spreading.
Thai citizens living abroad are advised to suspend their
return to Thailand until the situation improves. Health screenings for inbound travelers have
also been intensified.
The Cabinet ministers also announced actions to ease public
concerns over shortages medical supplies including face masks. (TNA)
