PHUKET: Provincial labour officials were rounding up 106 migrant workers who recently returned from a trip to Samut Sakhon to extend their visas, so they could be tested for Covid-19 infection, governor Narong Wunsiew said on Wednesday.
He was speaking while chairing a meeting of the provincial disease control committee to discuss the discovery of a new case of Covid-19 on the island and end-of-year festivities.
He said the provincial employment office reported that the 106 migrant workers were recently taken by their employers from Phuket to get their visas extended at the labour coordination centre in Samut Sakhon. All had returned.
Since the latest Covid-19 outbreak started in Samut Sakhon, they were needed to be tested for the virus, the governor said.
Mr Narong said labour officials had been assigned to round them up and ensure they were all tested by the end of the day.
He said that since a new Covid-17 infection had been reported in Phuket, the first case in seven months, a shortage of face masks had been reported. He had assigned the provincial commerce chief to look into the problem.
The issue of Christmas and New Year activities was also raised for discussion.
Vikrom Chakthi, the deputy governor, said it was agreed that festivities could be held at specific venues, such as hotels, where the number of attendees could be limited. They must strictly adhere to the Public Health Ministry's guidelines, he said.
However, it was agreed that other events which draw large gatherings, such as the annual Red Cross fair and activities planned by the private sector, should be postponed.
Mr Vikrom said restaurants and entertainment venues could open on the condition that tables must be at least two metres apart, but shows, dances and karaoke would not be allowed.
Seminars with limited numbers of attendees would be allowed, but health measures must be enforced.
Sport events such as the volleyball tournament organised by the Nakhon Phuket Municipality could go ahead, but without cheering crowds.
As for Phuket Walking Street, the meeting agreed that it should be closed for two weeks, pending further assessment.
Fresh markets could remain open as usual, but managements must be strict in enforcing hygiene, checking customers' temperatures and ensuring they wear masks and observe social distancing rules, Mr Vikrom said.