As tomorrow marks the beginning of Phase 3 of the easing of Covid-19 lockdown measures, many catgories of businesses will be allowed to fully reopen, though health and social distancing restrictions will remain in place. Fitness centres, including in malls, are included in that list.

The reopening will include many new rules and regulations designed to stop the potential spread Covid-19. Nearly all gym equipment will be allowed for public use, not just free weights as in Phase 2, but will require disinfecting and sanitising after every use. Previously, some gyms had been allowed to open but permitted only free weight lifting and no other equipment. Gyms in malls were not allowed to reopen in the prior phase.

Masks will be required in gyms and fitness centres at all times.

Large group classes and group activities are still prohibited. Only limited slots in small group sessions and classes are permitted.

Temperature checks and signing in and out through the Thai Chana government tracing app is required. Hand sanitiser must be made available throughout the fitness centre.

Staff have been instructed to strictly limit the number of people entering gyms and fitness centres and to encourage social distancing and discourage socialising and chatting.

Patrons should also bring their own towels, in line with government regulations. Strict rules around lockers and showers will also be in place.

Not every fitness centre will be reopening tomorrow as the decision is made by individual venue management. Your neighbourhood gym may remain closed.

Other categories of businesses being allowed to reopen include fresh markets, pet grooming and pet nurseries, sports stadiums and outdoor sports venues, and no doubt to the relief of many, massage shops. Health and social distancing measures will be in force in all newly reopened venues.

SOURCE: The Pattaya News

Social media are ablaze with debate over the appropriateness of the actions of a man who helped a deer escape near-certain death in the clutches of a python. The video, recorded yesterday in Khao Kheow Open Zoo, in Chon Buri province’s Sri Racha district, shows a python trying to crush a spotted deer before devouring it.

Before the giant snake could finish its kill, a man hit it with a stick and forced it to release its prey, which scrambled away as the serpent slithered back into the forest. Many netizens say that it’s natural for animals to eat other animals and humans should not interfere, while others believe it was the right thing to do to save a life.

This snake went hungry for the day,

SOURCE: Nation Thailand

A Korean Airlines flight arrived at 9:25pm yesterday at Suvarnabhumi Airport bringing 194 Thais from South Korea. Screening officers found 13 of the passengers with high fever and immediately sent them to hospital. Most of the rest took a bus to a 14 day state quarantine area according to state measures, while 18 went to “alternative state quarantine” at a designated hotel.

Thailand reported just 1 new Covid-19 case yesterday, a 19 year old student who returned from Saudi Arabia and was in a state quarantine facility. 4 cases were reported today, bringing the national total to 3,068 since the beginning of the outbreak. Of those, 2,963 have recovered and gone home, making Thailand’s recover rate 96%. No deaths have been reported in several days and the toll has remains at 57.

SOURCE: Nation Thailand