The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) is preparing for COVID-19 relief measures for businesses at risk of the potential spread of COVID-19 in what is called phase 5 of the government’s plan to relax restrictions. These businesses include bars, pubs, nightclubs and Karaoke venues. This measure will be presented to Council of Ministers on June 26, 2020.
CityNews visited a well-known restaurant and bar in Wat Gate area, last night to find that the restaurant has been renovated and is now preparing to provide full services when phase 5 is unlocked. Acrylic sheets are installed and used as a partition between the stage and customers. Thai Chana app and the signs telling customers to keep social distancing are installed around the area. In addition, tables and chairs are maintained at a distance of at least 1 metre apart. The number of tables is reduced by 50 percent to reduce congestion and to comply with social measures.
Nopporn Lamalai, the executive of the venue, said that the restaurant has postponed its reopening due to the fact that it also had an operating license as a nightclub. Therefore, it was not eligible for phase 4 of the unlocking. Normally, the restaurant has more than 200 staff. After closing, some employees resigned and others are willing to stay and wait for the restaurant to reopen for service. After closing for almost 4 months, the restaurant lost more than 10 million baht, Nopporn told CityNews.