Reopening Bangkok’s restaurants mooted by COVID task force

Health officials said Friday they are considering reduced restrictions that could allow restaurants to partially reopen the worst-affected provinces such as Bangkok, Chonburi and Chiang Mai.

Allowing restaurants to welcome diners again on a limited basis was among options being considered by the COVID-19 task force spokesperson Taweesilp Wissanuyothin said today. They’re also considering whether to allow convenience stores and malls to remain open an additional hour, to 11pm and 9pm respectively. 

On-site dining has been banned for two weeks, along with the closure of a range of venues and cap on gatherings at 20 people. What was under consideration Friday would allow restaurants to seat at 25% of capacity until a closing time of 9pm. It would also allow takeaway to continue until 11pm while alcohol could still not be served on the premises.

There was no…