Although restrictions placed to control the spread of COVID-19 have primarily been lifted, the emergency decree that enables the said restrictions is still in effect. The Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) meeting last Friday had yet to decide on whether to retain or lift the emergency decree. The government spokesperson is asserting the CCSA will consider the appropriate course of action to take regarding this matter.
Prime Minister’s Office Spokesperson Anucha Burapachaisri explained the emergency decree was, in essence, used to control and prevent COVID-19. The emergency law also enabled various agencies to work together synergistically and efficiently. Mr. Anucha said the CCSA’s Friday meeting discussed the timeframe for transitioning to a post-pandemic status for COVID-19. This would involve relegating Covid to a communicable disease under monitoring, instead of a hazardous communicable disease.
The spokesman said the CCSA deemed that more than 90% of people in Thailand now have immunity against Covid. Getting a 3rd dose of a Covid vaccine, regardless of the vaccination formula, is more than 90% effective at preventing severe symptoms and death. The CCSA now expects Covid outbreaks to behave similarly to those of flu. Patients are now expected to be found year-round.
The government spokesman said the CCSA will assess the situation once again before October 1. It will also determine the risks that will occur during the transition period to a post-pandemic landscape. The center will ascertain which disease control and management mechanisms need to be retained as Covid becomes relegated to a communicable disease under monitoring. Mr. Anucha added that emphasis is being placed on a robust response plan and on preventing diseases from causing damage on the scale of a crisis. (NNT)
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