Ohana Poké temporarily closed as owner recovers
Images adapted from: Ohana Poké
UPDATE: Thai authorities have now confirmed that there will no longer be a ban on visas on arrival for 18 countries and visa-free entry for the 4 high risk countries. More information on the original announcement below.
Mr. Jay, a 36-year-old Singaporean man who owns a restaurant called Ohana Poké in Bangkok, took to the restaurant’s Facebook page to express his thoughts and explain the situation to customers after he was infected with COVID-19.
At the beginning of his post, he stated that writing this was “the right thing to do.” He then went on about his COVID-19 experience.
On Sunday, Mr. Jay experienced chills and body aches before developing a fever the day after. Subsequently, he was tested positive for COVID-19 at Bangkok Christian Hospital on Tuesday, 10th March. Now, he’s recovering at the official government quarantine hospital.
Immediately closed the shop after diagnosis
Image credit: Ohana Poke
After he was tested positive for the virus, Mr. Jay “immediately” informed Ohana Poké’s manager to shut down the restaurant and alerted All Seasons Place, where the eatery is located, of the situation.
According to his post, none of the staff members have any symptoms of the virus. However, doctors have since sent them home for a 14-day self-quarantine.
He might’ve caught it in Thailand
Image credit: Ohana Poké
In his status, Mr. Jay also attached a picture of his passport page and boarding pass to show his travelling record from Singapore to Bangkok on 2nd February.
It was well over a month since he’s been out of the country, so Mr. Jay speculated that he “mostly likely caught it [COVID-19] locally in Bangkok.”
Thailand’s health authorities confirmed that he’s the first Singaporean to be diagnosed with COVID-19 in the country.
Mr. Jay also cleared some of the rumours that were circulating regarding his situation and reassured his customers that he would continue to update everyone whenever possible.
Netizens praised Mr. Jay for being honest
The post has since been shared for over 5,000 times in less than 24 hours. Most of the comments were netizens sharing well wishes and kudos s to Mr. Jay for taking full responsibility by sharing his situation in detail and closing down his restaurant.
Some even said that when his situation improves, they would dine at his restaurant to show their support in return.
At the end of his status, Mr. Jay thanked his the healthcare staff at Bangkok Christian Hospital and the official government quarantine hospital for taking good care of him.
59 infections in Thailand
On Wednesday, The Public Health Ministry reported 6 new cases of COVID-19 infections in Thailand including 5 Thais and 1 Singaporean (Mr. Jay). The total number of cases is now at 59.
The director of the Department of Disease Control confirmed that 2 out of the Thai cases were workers at Suvarnabhumi airport.
Thailand cancelled visa on arrival and exemptions
Image credit: Pantip
According to Bangkok Post, Thailand has cancelled visa on arrival for 18 countries, as well as the visa exemption for 3 high-risk territories, to prevent COVID-19 from spreading domestically.
The 18 counties include Bulgaria, Bhutan, China (including Taiwan), Cyprus, Ethiopia, Fiji, Georgia, India, Kazakhstan, Malta, Mexico, Nauru, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Uzbekistan, and Vanuatu.
The cancellation of the visa exemption is for South Korea, Italy, and Hong Kong.
It’s important for everyone to protect themselves against the virus, so wear a mask and clean your hands whenever you get the chance – stay healthy everyone!
We also wish Mr. Jay a speedy recovery.
COVID-19 related news:
- Grab Temporarily Shuts Thai And S’pore Offices For Deep Cleaning After Staff Tested Positive For COVID-19
- Passenger Purposely Coughs On Thai Airways Crew During Cabin Screening Process On Shanghai Flight
- Khao San Songkran Party In Bangkok Cancelled To Avoid Spread Of Coronavirus
- Medical Certificate Upon Arrival Required For Travellers Into Thailand From “High Risk” Countries
- Songkran Events Cancelled Due To COVID-19 In Pattaya, Patong, And Khon Kaen
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