Bangkok, Chonburi, Chiang Mai, Nonthaburi, Pathum Thani, and Samut Prakarn are classified as maximum and strict control zone (deep red), in which further restrictions have been put in place:
1) Ban of dining-in and drinking at restaurants,
2) Restaurants can be opened until 2100hrs,
3) Ban of activities with mass gathering of over 20 people,
4) Closure of indoor gyms and sports venues (open-air sports fields and venues may remain opened until 2100hrs),
5) Shopping malls, department stores, and community malls may also remain opened for service until 2100hrs,
6) Supermarkets, night markets, overnight markets, walking streets, and convenience stores can operate until 2300hrs. Residents of the deep red zone have also been urged not to travel outside of the control zone.
Dr. Taweesin Visanuyothin, CCSA Spokesperson, disclosed that the meeting has agreed to intensify COVID-19 preventive and control measures. Rezoning of control areas has been approved as follows:
1) maximum and strict control zone: 6 provinces,
2) maximum control zone: 45 provinces, and
3) control zone: 26 provinces. Quarantine of all forms has also been extended to 14 days, while both public and private sectors must consider strict working from home for at least 14 days.
Dining in at restaurants in the maximum control zone (red) and control zone (orange) are still allowed during the designated period. Wearing mask when going outside or in public places remains a maximum preventive measure against the spread of COVID-19.
CCSA Spokesperson also disclosed about the Government’s vaccination plan that the target is 100 million doses, to be given to 50 million people (70% of the populations) by the end of 2021. At present, 63 million doses of vaccines have been secured, whereas Ministry of Public Health has proposed for procurement of different vaccines for additional 37 million doses as follows: Pfizer Binotech 5-20 million doses, sputnik V 5-10 million doses, Johnson & Johnson 5-10 million doses, and others (Moderna, or Sinopharm, or Bharat, etc.)
Venues for vaccination will be arranged at hospitals and other spots outside the hospitals, totaling 1,000 venues throughout the country, each will perform 50-100 inoculations per day. It is expected that all 100 million doses will be given out within 4-7 months (September- December 2021). For Bangkok, other than hospitals, vaccination venues will also be arranged at university stadiums, convention centers, etc., totaling 100 venues. A total of 1,000 doses of vaccines per day will be provided at each venue, and with this, all the people in Bangkok will receive the first shot within the period of 3 months (June-August).
CCSA Spokesperson also called on everyone to refrain from traveling and meeting with people. If they strictly observe COVID-19 preventive etiquettes, the number of infected patients should decrease by 14 days, and some of the measures would then be eased. (Thaigov.go.th)
