Health officials propose reducing quarantine to 10 days

Health officials are suggesting cutting mandatory quarantine for international arrivals to 10 days. Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul says the proposal will be submitted to the government’s Covid-19 task force for approval. It’s hoped that a reduction in the quarantine period could help revive Thailand’s battered tourism sector.

”The priority now is to strike a balance between people’s health and the economy. We have to work together to help revive the economy. Thailand still has to rely on foreign tourists. Re-opening the country to foreign visitors will help put the economy back on track.”

A national quarantine policy is currently at draft stage and aims to ensure there are sufficient quarantine facilities to support the country re-opening further. The draft sets out guidelines for running a quarantine venue, with a requirement for all facilities to adhere to the same strict hygiene and safety standards, while working under the umbrella of the national communicable diseases committee in Bangkok.

“It covers the screening of suspected cases, general management of the venue’s environment, provision of basic services, data collection and reporting, contact tracing, as well as venue assessment and evaluation criteria.”

If the government approves the proposed reduction in quarantine, people who are released after 10 days will have their movements tracked for an additional 4 days. They will also be required to avoid crowded places and adhere to the rules of social distancing and mask-wearing in public.

SOURCE: Bangkok Post