Bangkok orders companies to close for 2 weeks or face huge fines because COVID cases rank in the top 11K

According to the Associated Press, the Thai capital Bangkok ordered businesses to close for two weeks on Monday, otherwise they will face a fine of up to 3,040 US dollars because of more than 11,000 new COVID-19 cases.

The new regulations will be implemented on Tuesday, but beauty salons and barber shops can continue to operate with a limited capacity. If companies such as movie theaters, gyms, and amusement parks do not comply with the new COVID-19 restrictions, those responsible may also face up to one year in prison. Since the beginning of the pandemic, 11,784 new cases have brought Thailand’s total to 415,170, and health officials have also announced 81 new deaths, bringing the country’s total to 3,422.

As Bangkok City is one of the worst-hit areas, this Southeast Asian country has been experiencing a surge in COVID-19 cases since April.

More than 90% of infections and deaths in Thailand have occurred since April. Since hospitals do not have enough beds for patients, the spread of the virus is causing the country’s healthcare system to become increasingly strained.

For more reports from the Associated Press, please see below:

Bangkok City officials ordered a series of premises to be completely closed until further notice. They also include museums and swimming pools.The park can be open until 8pm

Since June 28, restaurants have been restricted from providing takeaway services.

Bangkok and other provinces most affected by the current virus surge, including the provinces near the capital and the three provinces in the far south, have banned gatherings of more than five people, requiring residents to stay at home from 9pm to 4am in the morning, and Unnecessary travel is prohibited.

Other provinces can make their own rules.

The sharp increase in cases has prompted the authorities to allow patients to be isolated at home and community centers, and to give them access to antigen test kits previously limited to the medical profession. The shortage of vaccines has caused only about 5% of the population to be fully vaccinated, thereby exacerbating the situation.

The Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand has ordered the suspension of all domestic flights operating from the worst-hit provinces, starting on Wednesday. Exceptions are allowed for flights to destinations. The plan allows vaccinated travelers from abroad to stay on popular islands such as Phuket and Koh Samui for two weeks without isolation.