As the number of new cases of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) continues to decline in Thailand, many provinces are starting to ease lockdown measures, imposed earlier to help limit the virus’s spread. In Nan province, hotels were allowed to reopen on May 20.
At Wiang Kaew Hotel in Nan province, hotel staff conducted a deep cleaning of the premises, from guest rooms to public areas, to comply with public health orders. Door knobs, furniture, bed sheets and air conditioners were thoroughly cleansed. Alcohol-based hand sanitizers are provided at the entrance. The hotel also checks its customers’ travel records. Breakfast is served to guests in their rooms, as they are not yet allowed to dine in groups. The hotel manager said today the hotel generated no income when COVID-19 was spreading in the first few months of this year, and the business is in need of assistance from the government.
Fitness facilities also have to adapt to the changed circumstances before they can reopen. At Play Fitness on Inthamara road, Bangkok, only the free weight zone is open to customers. The zone offers dumbbells, barbells, medicine balls and weight plates. Before entering, customers are required to have their body temperature measured, wash their hands with alcohol gel and proceed through the check-in process. Each session is limited to a maximum of two hours per customer. They are required to wear protective masks at all times.
All fitness equipment are disinfected before and after each session. Fitness instructors can give advice to their customers without physical contact. Fitness staff will also ask for customers’ health records. If they display flu symptoms, they will be asked to return home immediately.
Although people at fitness centers do not usually wear face masks, they are ready to give full cooperation to ensure public safety.
Working out with free weights is not physically demanding, and the exposure to respiratory secretions is low in comparison to other exercises. (NNT)
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