Bangkok Governor Chadchart Sittipunt has insisted on more outdoor public events to stimulate the economy, claiming that they are not to blame for an increase in new COVID-19 infections.
The governor was responding to the Ministry of Public Health’s concerns about the risks posed by the city’s decision to host an outdoor film festival.
Chadchart reasoned that these outdoor activities divert people away from confined spaces like shopping malls, where the risk of COVID transmission is higher. Nonetheless, he stated that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) would heed health officials’ advice and increase screening measures at all future events.
The BMA has also decided, according to Chadchart, to implement proactive testing in schools and to provide booster shots in communities, particularly for all high-risk groups.
Dr. Wantanee Wattana, deputy city clerk, attended an emergency meeting hosted by the Ministry of Public Health on July 18 to discuss the overall situation, a reduction in public activities, and various disease prevention measures.
Following the meeting, Dr. Wantanee confirmed that all BMA activities are carried out in accordance with the regulations of the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration. She did, however, express hope that as the number of new infections decreases, the restrictions will be relaxed in favor of a better balance of public health security and economic growth.
