On Wednesday, the public health committee ordered the Department of Disease Control (DDC) to define and implement effective measures against Covid-19 if nightspots are allowed to reopen.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Public Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, Thailand’s Covid-19 case toll has dropped considerably, meaning the country continues to move into an endemic phase. There have also been fewer coronavirus-related infections in recent weeks.
Wednesday’s data from the Center for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) showed that local health personnel had identified 17,386 new coronavirus infections in the past 24 hours, including 9,736 people who tested positive for antigens.
Covid-related fatalities also fell below 100 for the first time this month, with 56 reported on Wednesday.
The Public Health Minister said that the latest figures were “the result of the efforts of those who strictly comply with the Covid-19 prevention measures” and the high vaccination rates, as there’s a high proportion of people who have received the coronavirus vaccine.
Official government reports say Thailand has administered over 134 million Covid-19 doses, including around 109 million (81%) first shots.
They also state that 84% of older adults living in the country have received their first jab against Covid-19, 80% have been vaccinated with two doses, 81% have received only one shot, and 42% have received one booster dose.
In response to the current coronavirus situation, the government has downgraded its Covid-19 alert from level 4 to level 3, allowing residents to resume some daily activities with fewer restrictions.
However, bars, pubs, karaoke rooms and other night entertainment venues have not yet been allowed to reopen their doors.
Nightlife is a big draw for tourists visiting Thailand, but the government wants to ensure that all venues are safe and don’t pose any health risks. Therefore, the Public Health Ministry has asked the DDC to seek measures to help pubs, bars and other night businesses resume operations.
In addition, Mr. Anutin said that the DDC should also implement some measures to encourage foreign tourists to comply with the mandatory mask-wearing rule.
The minister stated that the problem was not controlling the disease but people’s behavior, as officials still had to motivate visitors and locals to wear face masks.
