Bangkok Deputy Governor Kriangyod Sudlapa announced that the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration canceled all of its 2022 new year celebration events planned to be held between December 21 and January 1.
All 50 districts of Bangkok will also cancel their events, not only entertaining ones but also religious-related ones, in accordance with BMA’s announcement over the fear of the Covid-19 Omicron variant.
The deputy governor said WHO asked countries to cancel some celebrations as Omicron can spread much faster than the Delta variant. Meanwhile, Thailand has also shown a significant rise in Omicron infections during the last few days.
However the private sector will still be allowed to host New Year countdown festivities under strict precautions while City Hall has decided to cancel all events it had planned to mark the New Year in Bangkok amid fears of a surge in Omicron cases.
National Security Council secretary-general Gen Supoj Malaniyom, in his capacity as head of operations at the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA), said the CCSA is permitting the private sector to proceed with its plans but they must seek permission first.
Citing Covid-19 Omicron infection records on December 22, 27 people have already been confirmed to be infected with Omicron and 97 more are waiting to be confirmed.
The deputy governor also asked the private sector to cancel their events if possible. If not, they must have stringent measures to ensure safety.
Public events must follow the measures issued by the government including screening event attendants, providing hand sanitizers, maintaining hygiene, ensuring social distancing, and mask-wearing. Events must also have a separate area or facility designated for those who might be infected.
ATK tests are suggested to be used before entering, and only fully vaccinated people should attend an event, said deputy governor Kriangyod.
