Restrictions could be eased, Covid alert lowered after CCSA meeting tomorrow

As infections continue to decline in Thailand, the government meets tomorrow to discuss the easing of a number of restrictions. The CCSA is also expected to lower the country’s Covid alert, from Level 4 to 3. It was raised earlier this month amid concerns over the highly-contagious Omicron variant. The move followed the suspension of the Test & Go entry scheme, but that could potentially make a comeback as early as next month, according to a Bangkok Post report.

Health minister Anutin Charnvirakul says the government is considering relaxing some measures and potentially expanding Thailand’s sandbox programme to other destinations. The sandbox entry scheme currently only applies to Phuket, Phang Nga, Krabi, and Koh Samui. Anutin says it could be expanded to Chiang Mai and Chon Buri, as well as the north-eastern province of Khon Kaen and the central province of Samut Prakan, home to Suvarnabhumi Airport.

At the CCSA meeting tomorrow, officials are also expected to discuss the resumption of Test & Go, potentially as early as February. The suspension of the scheme came as a blow to the tourism sector, just as it was taking the first tentative steps on the road to recovery.

Anutin says that as the infection rate continues to fall and the virus is brought under control, the government is likely to lower the country’s Covid alert from 4 to 3 and make changes to the colour-coded zoning of provinces. The Bangkok Post reports that any easing of restrictions in the capital will be left up to the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration. However, there’s still no good news for nightclubs and entertainment venues, with Anutin insisting they remain shuttered for now.

Thailand has now reported 2.3 million Covid-19 infections and nearly 22,000 deaths, according to the report. It has vaccinated nearly two-thirds of the country, with 13.5% having received boosters.

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SOURCE: Bangkok Post