Thailand’s Covid alert back at Level 4, CCSA says no lockdowns
As infections continue to rise sharply across the country, the government has raised the Covid alert to Level 4 nationwide. The move comes as the number of severe cases and deaths also continues to rise, with most of the deaths reported in the elderly, the unvaccinated, and those with underlying health conditions. However, the CCSA has stated that lockdowns will not be implemented in order to curb the spread. Instead, disease prevention and containment measures are to be ramped up across the country, according to a Bangkok Post report.
According to the Public Health Ministry, there has been a noticeable spike in infections among family members and close acquaintances as a result of dining out together, playing sports, and attending weddings and funerals. Kiattiphum Wongrajit, permanent secretary for public health, says that if people drop their guard and fail to adhere to disease prevention measures, there could be a return to tougher restrictions.
The Bangkok Post reports that across the country, infections are increasing in all groups, but in particular, those of working age and children. The Department of Disease Control is paying close attention to the situation in 18 tourism provinces. Of those, Bangkok, Chon Buri, Phuket, Kanchanaburi, Krabi, Phang Nga, Nonthaburi, and Pathum Thani have reported fluctuating case numbers but the overall trend is climbing.
The CCSA meets tomorrow to assess the latest situation, while reviewing measures aimed at boosting economic recovery. Spokeswoman Apisamai Srirangson says that from tomorrow, the focus of the government’s Covid task force will be on the number of severe cases and deaths. She adds that while there are no lockdown plans, the country is not yet ready to follow other countries in relaxing restrictions.
“While the CCSA is unlikely to bring back lockdowns, Thailand still cannot afford to relax virus curbs in the same way as other countries have done. We have to come up with our own approach.”
Apisamai also addressed rumours that the Test & Go entry scheme could once again be suspended, saying Thailand’s health system can still cope with the number of overseas arrivals testing positive.
SOURCE: Bangkok Post
