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CCSA Proposes “Dark Red Province” Easing of Restrictions

The Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has announced plans to relax lockdown restrictions in “dark red” provinces, which have seen tighter controls in recent months.

The measures could include adjusting the current nighttime curfew and reducing the mandatory quarantine for fully vaccinated foreign tourists.

According to government sources, the proposal will be discussed at the CCSA meeting next Monday.

Officials said the CCSA had adjusted the curfew from 10:00 p.m. to 04:00 a.m. Moreover, health authorities agreed to ease restrictions on ten types of businesses and activities, including children or pre-school child centers, museums, historical and archaeological sites.

Learning or science and cultural centers, art galleries, cinemas and manicure shops could also open if the proposal is accepted. The plan could also benefit tattoo, spa, and massage parlors, government sources said.

It could be extended to restaurants, allowing them to open with live music if they have air circulation systems and follow communicable disease prevention standards.

Also, opening hours for consumer products’ sections in shopping centers, convenience stores, hypermarkets and stadiums were extended until 09:00 p.m.

The proposed easing on Covid-19 lockdown restrictions could go into effect on October 1 if the CCSA backs it on Monday, government sources added.

Meanwhile, in a Thursday meeting, the CCSA approved a proposal to extend the state of emergency until late November and postpone Bangkok and other provinces’ reopening.

Gen Nattapon Nakpanich, the National Security Council’s chief and the subcommittee’s chairman, said the emergency decree would be extended to control the spread of the novel coronavirus. It was expected to expire in late September.

The panel also delayed five tourist provinces’ reopening to international travelers without quarantine, including Bangkok, Chon Buri, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Phetchaburi, and Chiang Mai.

Such provinces were scheduled to reopen on October 1 as follows: Bangkok, Chon Buri (Pattaya, Bang Lamung and Sattahip), Chiang Mai (Muaeng, Mae Rim, Mae Taeng, and Doi Tao districts), Prachuap Khiri Khan (Hua Hin), and Phetchaburi (Cha-am).

However, they will remain closed until November 1.

All new measures will be proposed at a CCSA meeting chaired by Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha for further approval on Monday.