Isaan province Surin steps back plans to declare Covid-19 an endemic

The Isaan province of Surin is stepping back on plans to be the first area in Thailand to declare Covid-19 as an endemic. The provincial government planned to announce Covid-19 as an endemic on April 1, but pushed back the plans with concerns that the infection rate could spike after Songkran, the Thai New Year.

Yesterday, Surin’s official public relations site shared that the provincial public health had a meeting and agreed to postpone the transition from pandemic to endemic. The officers shared that the province needs to pass 13 requirements to announce endemic. The hospital bed occupancy rate in Surin still needs to be 3% or lower, and the vaccination rate in the province still needs to hit 80%.

The authorities said they will closely watch the Covid situation after Songkran, adding that the province would carefully consider transitioning to an endemic and make sure the province was completely ready until making an announcement. After Surin declares Covid-19 an endemic, residents will still be urged to follow Covid-19 preventative measures.

With many residents gathering with families and friends during the Songkran holiday, which starts on April 13, authorities are urging residents to avoid visiting risky areas and to take a rapid antigen Covid-19 test before visiting their hometown.

• Read Doing it alone: Surin province to declare Covid-19 endemic from April 1

SOURCE: Surin’s Public Relations Department | Thai News Agency