BMA ramps up sanitation drive in city markets

BMA ramps up sanitation drive in city markets

The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) has stepped up sanitation measures in 29 large fresh markets in the capital.

Chawin Sirinak, BMA deputy city clerk, said City Hall told operators in 11 districts of Bangkok via video conference that the tougher rules at fresh markets are to prevent the spread of Covid-19.

Of the 29 venues, 12 markets are single large markets with over 500 vending stalls while the others are complexes of small markets. A total of 18,963 merchants and workers are based at these 29 markets.

Traders from any vending stall who suffer an infection will have to stop trade for 14 days and Covid-19 tests will be conducted on all those who operate adjacent stalls.

Should two or more of those tests come back positive, active case finding will begin throughout the market. And if 10% or more of workers are diagnosed with the virus, the whole market will be closed for 14 days.

Suitable quarantine facilities will also be sought in nearby neighbourhoods, where the BMA will also ramp up vaccinations, he said.

All stall owners, staff and customers must follow the DMHTTA (Distancing, Mask-wearing, Hand washing, Temperature-Testing Application) protocol and the BMA will seek antigen test kits from the Public Health Ministry and other sources to carry out regular testing.

Members of the public will be able to assess market sanitation through the Thai Stop Covid Plus and BKK Food Safety apps while the number of entry points to each venue will also be reduced to assist with surveillance efforts.

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