Thursday Covid Update: High of 20,920 new cases and 160 deaths
A record high of 20,920 new Covid-19 cases and 160 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. In the latest and most severe wave of Covid-19, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has recorded 664,442 Covid-19 cases. Over the last 24 hours since the last count, the CCSA recorded 17,926 recoveries. Thailand now has 213,910 active cases.
As of yesterday, Thailand ranked as the second country in the Southeast Asia region with the highest number of active cases, which was tallied at 211,076. Indonesia, Asia’s Covid-19 epicentre, topped this list with 524,011 active cases, according to Worldometers. Malaysia ranked as third with 210,522 active cases, followed by Vietnam with 121,154.
Out of the new cases recorded in Thailand today, 262 were detected in correctional facilities. More than 40,000 inmates at Thailand’s overcrowded prisons have tested positive for the virus.
More information will be released this afternoon.
Other updates…
- Curfews and travel restrictions are set for 29 provinces, including Bangkok, classified by the CCSA as “dark red” zones under maximum and strict control to combat the coronavirus. Interprovincial public transportation services from those provinces are suspended for the next two weeks. The order is likely to be extended if the Covid-19 situation does not improve. For more information on restrictions and zoning, click HERE.
- Phuket officials banned alcohol sales and consumption at restaurants in an effort to limit gatherings and prevent the spread of Covid-19. The provincial order, which is in addition to the CCSA’s measures, is in place for the next two weeks. The island province also “sealed off” its borders to domestic travellers. Domestic entry by land, air and sea is prohibited, with the exception of emergency vehicles and essential deliveries. Travellers from overseas can still enter under the “Sandbox” model.
- The CCSA announced the government’s vaccination plan for August. By the end of the month, officials aim to vaccinate 80% of residents in Bangkok, 70% of residents in the other 28 “dark red” provinces, and 50% of residents in other provinces. The campaign is now open to the general public 18 years old and above, including expats, but those who are 60 and older, and those who have one of the specified underlying conditions, are still given priority. Foreign residents can go to expatvac.consular.go.th to register for their first dose of the Covid-19 vaccine.
