Wednesday Covid Update: Record high of 20,200 new cases and 188 deaths

A record high of 20,200 new Covid-19 cases and another high of 188 coronavirus-related deaths were reported today by the Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration. Thailand now has 211,076 active Covid-19 cases. In the latest and most severe wave of the virus, first recorded on April 1, the CCSA has recorded 643,522 Covid-19 cases. In 24 hours, the CCSA says 17,975 Covid-19 patients were released from medical care and confirmed as “recovered.”

Over the past week, the daily case counts have been in the 17,000s and 18,000s. The CCSA had earlier predicted that the daily infection rate would exceed 20,000 due to the spread of the highly transmissible Delta variant.

Out of the new cases today, 187 were found in correctional facilities. More than 40,000 inmates at Thailand’s overcrowded prisons have tested positive for the virus over the past several months.

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.
• The reopening project “Pattaya Move On,” similar to Phuket’s model, is likely to be pushed back as the Covid-19 cases in Chon Buri continue to rise. Yesterday, the province reported 1,359 new cases.
• 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.