*Update, the market has now been ordered to close for three days*.
Health officials on Saturday announced the discovery of a new COVID-19 cluster at Chatchai Market, the main fresh market located in the centre of the town.
The cluster has resulted in 11 confirmed cases, health officials said.
Despite the discovery of the cluster, Hua Hin Municipality and the local Public Health Department have opted against closing the market, for now.
However, a deep clean of the market has taken place and screening has been stepped up at entry and exit points.
On Saturday. Mr. Nopphon Wutthikul, Mayor of Hua Hin, along with officials from the Department of Public Health and Environment, Hua Hin Municipality, and related officials, went to the market to publicise to vendors and merchants about how to prevent infection from COVID-19.
All vendors were asked to start making sure they wear masks and that alcohol hand gel is used regularly and available to customers.
Meanwhile, officials said that proactive testing of those who have been infected and others deemed to be exposed to those infected have been carried out. Those deemed most at risk have been quarantined at Hua Hin Hospital.
Health officials said they will close the market if infections are found at more than 10 percent of the total number of stalls at the market.
All stalls where people have tested positive have been closed for 14 days.
Health officials said there are more than 300 vendors operating at the market and if more infections are found, the market will almost certainly be ordered to close.
However, the traders at the market revealed that they are terrified but must work in order to earn money,
They added that the majority of traders have already received two vaccine doses.
One trader told Hua Hin Today they are hoping there are no more infections as they do not want their livelihood closed for 14 days.
They added that officials from the Hua Hin Municipality has already visited the area for ATK testing of 147 traders, all of whom have negative results.
The market has also been disinfected in order to help build confidence among customers and tourists.
