Chiang Mai ready to re-open despite new cluster of infections

The governor of Chiang Mai says the province is ready for the planned November 1 re-opening to foreign tourists. Despite a new cluster of infections being detected at the large market of Talad Muang Mai, Prajon Pratsakul insists the northern province is ready to re-open. The Bangkok Post reports that 478 Covid-19 cases have been traced to the market, which has been closed for deep cleaning between October 9 and 22. Customers and other close contacts of the market are in quarantine.

Chiang Mai officials are also in a rush to roll out more vaccine doses, in order to meet the goal of 70% vaccinated ahead of the November 1 re-opening date. Today, the CCSA meets to discuss several proposals, including allowing fully vaccinated tourists from “low risk” countries to enter Thailand without quarantine. As travel restrictions are also lifted within Thailand, domestic tourism is expected to increase. The percentage of vaccinated Chiang Mai residents is currently 60%, according to Prajon.

According to the Bangkok Post report, Prajon expects his entire province to re-open on November 1 and not just the districts previously specified as part of the sandbox scheme. However, he adds that access to areas with high infection rates will be off-limits to visitors.

Meanwhile, on the southern island of Phuket, governor Narong Woonciew expects a significant increase in tourist numbers during the forthcoming peak season. He has voiced concern about Phuket’s ability to test them all as currently the maximum number of people who can be tested for Covid-19 is set at 500 per day.

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SOURCE: Bangkok Post