OP-ED: Re-opening hits snags

Prime Minister Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha is mulling the next stage of partial reopening, considering a two-hour limit for visits to shopping malls and restricting the number of shoppers allowed to enter at one time.

The first few days of easing lockdown restrictions have shown signs that caution is needed. Photos showing overcrowded BTS trains and platforms were circulated online on Tuesday morning partly to show the worrisome conditions and partly as warnings for other passengers not to pile in at that time.

The sight of hundreds of people standing almost shoulder-to-shoulder in a confined space was a horrendous thing to see during this sensitive transition.

Even though most passengers were seen wearing masks, overcrowding to that extent should not have been allowed.

The Department of Disease Control (DDC) expressed its shock and dismay at the Skytrain’s “weak” distancing management.

The Bangkok Mass Transit System Plc, which operates the BTS Skytrain, said the situation was the result of a technical error, which caused a passenger build-up and overcrowded stations especially at Siam and National Stadium.

The error might have been unforeseeable but as the DDC pointed out, the BMTS should have been better prepared for Covid-19 prevention requirements as well as contingency situations that may occur.

The DDC urged the BTS to clearly mark where people can stand or sit at stations and on trains to ensure proper distancing.

The Skytrain operator should have implemented more effective crowd control measures as well. If necessary, more trains should be in service to avoid overcrowding especially during rush hour.

A quota of how many people can go into a station at a given time may be imposed to avoid heavy traffic.

In a related move, police on Tuesday found 350 stores permitted to reopen had failed to comply with Covid-19 preventive measures.

Another 2,400 places were found to have “problems”. Mostly, these shops and public sites failed to provide enough space for social distancing or implement a thermal scan before entry.

These facilities were among 9,400 restaurants, malls, retailers, salons, pet shops and public parks that have been allowed to reopen since Sunday.

The authorities gave them a warning or instruction on how to improve preventive measures. For those given a warning, police will go back to recheck. If they haven’t made any improvements, they could be closed down again.

Although the number of facilities that failed to stringently observe the measures is not overwhelming, it’s large enough to be disturbing.

Also, the fact that it is impossible for authorities to keep a watch on them at all times, means lapses can easily occur.

The problem is each and every slip-up at any of these facilities, no matter how small, can present a chance for the virus to rebound and cause a second-wave outbreak.

If the situation does not improve, the health authorities must reconsider their approach. If they wish to see less traffic and overcrowding on public transport, a work-from-home policy and flexible work hours must be imposed, not recommended.

As for shops and public areas which fail to uphold the rules, assistance both in training and installing necessary equipment could go a long way to ensuring compliance.