The Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA), represented by Mrs. Silapasuai Rawisaengsun, Permanent Secretary, has revealed new measures for controlling fresh markets and flea markets to reduce the spread of COVID-19 virus.
She said that 50 district offices have been directed to inspect market owners and market stall vendors in their responsible areas to ensure that sanitation is in accordance with health and sanitation guidance during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak situation.
All such markets and vendors are ordered to strictly comply with the BMA’s measures as follows:
• Market Owners are urged to keep updated with the situation and ways to prevent the spread of the virus. They must provide knowledge and create better understanding among market stall vendors and market staff, including the proper way to wear a face mask and wash hands. Daily basic COVID-19 screening tests must be provided for all vendors and market staff before they begin work. Any vendors or market staff having a fever, a cough, runny nose or difficulty breathing must stop selling and working and immediately seek medical attention. Market must be kept clean and have proper ventilation and sanitation. Floors, walkways and stalls must be cleaned at least once a day. Wash basins, clean water, soap or alcohol-based hand sanitizers must be provided. Social distancing of at least 1 metre must be kept during business. Eat-in services at the food court section must be temporarily closed. E-Payment channel must be added as an option for payment in order to reduce contact with bank notes. Proper waste disposal must be conducted to prevent the spread of the disease.
• Vendors are required to wash their hands frequently with soap, especially after using restrooms and being in contact with dirty objects. They are also required to wear a face mask during working hours. Any vendors having a fever, a cough, runny nose or difficulty breathing must stop selling and immediately seek medical attention. In case of selling fresh meat and meat organs (offal), gripper tools must be provided to customers to prevent them from having direct contact with the meat. Meat vendors must wash their hands after touching meat and meat products every time. In case of selling cooked and ready-to-eat foods, the food must be freshly cooked, kept under cover and reheated every 2 hours. For meat-based foods, the cooking temperature must be at least 70 °C. Food vendors must wear an apron and hat or hairnet when preparing food. Vendors and buyers must keep social distancing of at least 1 metre.
• Customers must wear a fabric or surgical face mask when coming in and using market services. Social distancing of at least 1 metre must be kept between vendors and customers. Customers should wash their hands with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer after receiving food from vendors and before food consumption. It is recommended to use E-Payment as an option for payment in order to reduce contact with bank notes.
• Market Entrances and Exits must have one-way routes. Alcohol-based hand sanitizer spots must be provided around market areas. Garbage bins must be emptied daily. Vendors and customers must always wear a face mask when entering any fresh market.
For further information visit : www.prbangkok-en.com
