NAKHON RATCHASIMA: The chief of Phimai district yesterday ordered quarantine for anyone arriving from Samut Sakhon, the epicentre of the latest outbreak of Covid-19, and also closed a large school to help prevent transmission of the virus.
Phimai district chief Amnuay Pongnan said the measure followed the government's declaration of Samut Sakhon as a maximum disease control zone and the number of fresh Covid-19 cases in Nakhon Ratchasima linked to the province rising to six.
"People arriving from high-risk areas, especially Samut Sakhon, must be quarantined at a state facility for 14 days," he said.
The policy also applies to people returning from other provinces to Phimai district during the New Year period and local administrative and health officials would be checking arrivals, he said.
The district chief also ordered the closure of Phimai Wittaya School, where there are more than 4,000 students, after one Covid-19 case was confirmed in the area. The school management would instead conduct online education until the Covid-19 situation in Phimai and nearby areas improves, Mr Amnuay said.
In Sukhothai, the provincial authority has imposed a requirement for everyone arriving in the province from high-risk areas in Samut Sakhon to report for a 14-day quarantine, said Wirun Phanthewi, the provincial governor.
People from other provinces must report to local authorities upon arriving and observe their health for 14 days, said the governor.
Organisers of public gatherings or activities which draw more than 300 participants are required to obtain permission from the province's disease control committee before the events can take place.
Meanwhile, Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, which are popular cool-season destinations, have announced their New Year festive celebrations will go ahead as planned.
However, visitors must strictly follow the Covid-19 prevention measures including wearing a face mask at all times in public.