Venues shut in 4 more provinces

Another four provinces have ordered the temporary closure of all entertainment venues, as efforts continue to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

Provincial governors in Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chon Buri and Nonthaburi have ordered the venues to close for 14 days, exercising their authority as heads of the provincial disease control committee.

The closures in Chon Buri and Nonthaburi took effect on Wednesday, and continue until March 31.

In Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima provinces the orders became effective yesterday and remain in place until April 1.

Cinemas, fitness centres, spas, massage shops and indoor playgrounds are among the places forced to shut.

The order also covers sporting arenas, including boxing stadiums, cock-fighting pits and racecourses.

The closures in Chon Buri do not include the resort city of Pattaya, which is an autonomous area administered by the mayor.

The governor of Buri Ram led the charge earlier this week, ordering the province to be locked down on Monday even though no infections have been reported there.

The closures came as the number of confirmed Covid-19 infections continued to rise, with a leap of 60 new cases reported yesterday — the largest daily increase yet.

Chiang Mai governor Charoenrit Sanguansat said yesterday the closures in the northern province also covered weekend walking streets and openair markets.

Nakhon Ratchasima provincial governor Wichien Chantharanothai said the zoo, a water park and swimming pools were ordered to close.

Provincial governors were handed the power to close public places for public health reasons when Covid-19 was declared a dangerous communicable disease.