The Ministry of Public Health is to propose the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) relax restrictions on some businesses using the COVID Free Program in conjunction with other health and safety measures.
Permanent Secretary of Public Health, Dr. Kiattiphum Wongrajit announced today that 18,501 new infections of COVID-19 were recorded on August 25, 2021 with 20,606 people leaving hospital and 229 deaths. He stated that the figures indicate stringent restrictions over the past four weeks were successful at cutting infections by 20-25 percent but conceded that fatalities among individuals over 60, and sufferers of chronic illnesses remain high, marking a need to step up vaccination of these groups. Nonetheless, the permanent secretary stated Thailand has possibly passed the peak of infections and may see a gradual improvement from now onwards. He asked citizens to continue to follow precautions and avoid risky activities.
The ministry is to propose the CCSA allow low-risk businesses to return to limited operation at its meeting tomorrow (August 27). Suggested activities will include dining in restaurants, outdoor sports and interprovincial travel, in particular by air. The COVID Free Program is to be used to manage infection numbers by requiring businesses to maintain social distancing and ventilation, that staff be immunized against the virus or have tested negative using an Antigen Test Kit and that customers present documentation proving their immunity or health. Customers unable to show such confirmation will only be allowed to place take away orders. Universal Prevention measures must also be maintained.
Dr. Kiattiphum noted the measures will only be proposed with their details or approval, dependent on the CCSA. Implementation of any new measures will be closely followed and adjusted as needed. He asked that all people closely follow orders to avoid a return to closures.
Permanent Secretary of Public Health, Dr. Kiattiphum Wongrajit announced today that 18,501 new infections of COVID-19 were recorded on August 25, 2021 with 20,606 people leaving hospital and 229 deaths. He stated that the figures indicate stringent restrictions over the past four weeks were successful at cutting infections by 20-25 percent but conceded that fatalities among individuals over 60, and sufferers of chronic illnesses remain high, marking a need to step up vaccination of these groups. Nonetheless, the permanent secretary stated Thailand has possibly passed the peak of infections and may see a gradual improvement from now onwards. He asked citizens to continue to follow precautions and avoid risky activities.
The ministry is to propose the CCSA allow low-risk businesses to return to limited operation at its meeting tomorrow (August 27). Suggested activities will include dining in restaurants, outdoor sports and interprovincial travel, in particular by air. The COVID Free Program is to be used to manage infection numbers by requiring businesses to maintain social distancing and ventilation, that staff be immunized against the virus or have tested negative using an Antigen Test Kit and that customers present documentation proving their immunity or health. Customers unable to show such confirmation will only be allowed to place take away orders. Universal Prevention measures must also be maintained.
Dr. Kiattiphum noted the measures will only be proposed with their details or approval, dependent on the CCSA. Implementation of any new measures will be closely followed and adjusted as needed. He asked that all people closely follow orders to avoid a return to closures.