The government’s coronavirus task force on Friday will consider a proposal to allow restaurants in Pattaya and other “deep red” Covid-19 control zones to resume limited dine-in service, a move that can’t come too soon for Sanya Keychid.
The owner of the Tong Chon Wow noodle restaurant said he has lost 70 percent of his business and takeout and delivery orders cannot offset the loss of sit-down dining.
It’s a common complaint heard many times across Pattaya and the entire country with operators and industry groups pointing out that the virtual shutdown of restaurants has made no difference in the number of coronavirus cases, which remain at the same level they were when the dine-in ban took effect May 1.
Perhaps that’s why the Public Health Ministry said Friday it had drafted a proposal to allow dine-in service to resume in “deep red” maximum-control zones including Chonburi until 9 p.m. with capacity capped at 25 percent.
The proposal is to be considered at a Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration meeting May 14.
Sanya’s restaurant is open-air, which he said makes even more sense to allow dine-in services. There is no confined space and air conditioning to spread the virus, so it’s safe than indoor restaurants.
Until then, he’s stuck with doing deliveries and takeout. Sanya said he’s not making much money, but he can be a lifeline to his employees.
