After an easing of lockdown restrictions, the Deputy Minister of Transport, AtiratRatanasate, has instructed the boat service on SaenSaep canal in Bangkok to follow social distancing guidelines to help limit the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19).
Mr. Atirat said after inspecting the boat service canal and observing commuters at Pratunam and Asoke piers that the number of boat passengers is on the rise, following the easing of some lockdown measures. There were only 5,000 to 6,000 boat passengers per day when the measures were fully imposed. Now, the number is more than 10,000 a day. In normal times, some 50,000 people use the boat service on SaenSaep canal each day.
All 28 piers are strictly implementing COVID-19 preventive measures. Passengers are required to have their body temperature taken and use hand sanitizers before boarding a canal boat. While using the service, they are asked to wear protective masks and maintain at least one meter distance from others on board.
The Deputy Minister of Transport also ordered boat operators to increase service frequency by adding more boats, from 40 to 60, and reducing passengers’ waiting time to three to five minutes per trip. Social distancing stickers are placed on all boats and piers. Seats are arranged so that passengers are at least one meter apart. Boat service providers are using closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras to monitor the number of passengers. If the boat is crowded, the situation will be addressed immediately. Before boarding, all passengers are required to have their temperature taken, wear face masks, maintain a safe distance between each other and follow the safety guidelines.(NNT)
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