Stricter Covid restrictions likely for Bangkok, other “at-risk” provinces

The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration meets today to consider a number of tougher restrictions aimed at flattening the curve of new infections in Bangkok and a number of other provinces. Yesterday, cases reached a record high of 7,058, with 75 Covid-related deaths.

According to a Bangkok Post report, PM Prayut Chan-o-cha says the government, which is still resisting the idea of a full lockdown, will consider a number of strict measures at a CCSA meeting later this morning.

“We may have to take stricter measures to restrict movements to prevent crowd gatherings and close additional premises. As the director of the CCSA, I will chair the CCSA meeting to consider proposals submitted by the parties involved. I will inform you of the outcome immediately. The government and I will do our best to bring the situation under control as quickly as possible.”

Kiatiphum Wongrajit from the Public Health Ministry says if approved, the measures will be implemented for 14 days in Bangkok and other at-risk provinces. It’s expected that there will be curbs on people’s movement, which could be limited to doctor visits, vaccination appointments, and food shopping. A ban on inter-provincial travel is also expected.

The CCSA is also expected to order “at-risk” businesses, such as department stores, convenience stores, night markets, and restaurants, to reduce their operating hours, while employees who can do so will be ordered to work from home. However, supermarkets and other essential businesses are expected to remain open.

Kiatiphum says the CCSA will decide which provinces must adopt the measures, but insists they will not amount to a full lockdown.

“We don’t want to create confusion because a lockdown, which was imposed previously, also included a ban on foreigners visiting Thailand. But the main thrust of the new measures will be to restrict people’s movements and close at-risk premises.”

SOURCE: Bangkok Post