BANGKOK– The Ministry of Public Health has urged all sectors to follow public health guidelines strictly, as the third stage of the easing of social restrictions, imposed earlier to help limit the spread of COVID-19, will allow more businesses and activities to resume operations, and their return may increase the risk of the infection spreading. The ministry has revealed three key factors relating to the next phase of exiting the COVID-19 social restrictions.
The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Health, Dr. Bancha Khakhong, said that the first factor is people’s discipline in following precautionary protocols, such as wearing face masks, washing their hands regularly and avoiding social gatherings. The second factor is entrepreneurs’ ability to maintain a high level of hygiene and cleanliness at their locations and the practice of social distancing. The third, deals with disease control information, such as locating patients and quarantining people in high-risk areas or those returning from abroad.
If the public and businesses let their guard down and the number of new cases starts to increase, the possibility of easing more restrictions will be delayed. Schools are also due to reopen next month. If people and different establishments don’t obey the guidelines, a resurgence in COVID-19 cases is possible.
Therefore, the relaxation of more restrictions depends on everyone’s personal discipline, and keeping the number of infections stable.
The Deputy Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, Dr. Thanarak Plipat, said the COVID-19 situation in Thailand remains under control, but it is not completely gone. Therefore, relevant agencies still have to prevent infections, locate and treat patients and implement disease-control measures. Vulnerable groups, such as elderly people with chronic diseases and obese people, shouldn’t leave home at this time.
If they have to go outside, they should wear protective masks and avoid contacting others. Wearing face shields without protective masks won’t protect people from infection. At the organizational level, working from home and online transactions are encouraged. Employees may work in shifts. Managers of workplaces are advised to screen all people and ensure adequate ventilation in the working premises.(NNT)
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