Lockdown in Bangkok, 28 provinces extended till Aug 31
The Centre for Covid-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) on Monday extended lockdown measures for Bangkok and 28 other provinces until the end of August.
However, banks and financial institutions in malls have been allowed to reopen, said CCSA spokesperson Dr Taweesin Visanuyothin.
Tuesday’s CCSA meeting chaired by PM Prayut Chan-o-cha also resolved to ramp up test, trace and isolation measures via screening rapid antigen kits (ATK) in Bangkok and its vicinities and more personnel to organise isolation at home, in communities or hospitals.
Meanwhile, the work-from-home measure will be maintained in the 29 high-infection provinces, with weekly ATK screening for anyone who needs to be at the workplace.
The CCSA ordered isolation measures plus ATK screening for companies and organisations with more than 50 employees.
Dark Red zone factories and workplaces with more than 100 employees must consider full bubble-and-seal operations. Weekly ATK screening and random testing will also take place at markets.
On measures to reduce mortality, the CCSA said vaccination would speed up in the vulnerable group (those aged 60 and over, pregnant women and people with any of seven chronic diseases) to cover at least 80 per cent in Bangkok, 70 per cent in 12 high-infection provinces, and 50 per cent in other areas.
Meanwhile, hospital admission for moderately and severely ill (Yellow and Red-coded) patients would be accelerated, while distribution of favipiravir for Green-coded patients in home and community isolation would be stepped up.
Also, the government will encourage self-screening via ATK tests by ensuring they are easily available at low prices.
Vaccinated foreign tourists who spend seven days on Phuket will also be allowed to access seven other locations – Khao Lak, Koh Yao Yai and Yai Noi in Phangnga, Phi Phi and Railey beach in Krabi, Koh Ngai in Trang, and Koh Samui, Phangan and Tao in Surat Thani.
