Covid-19 epidemic spreads in Thailand at the beginning of the new year

Quang Trung, Trong Dat• DNUM_ABZABZCACB 16:35

Currently, six provinces and cities, including the capital Bangkok, have been identified as "maximum control zones", forcing people to reduce the scale of New Year celebrations or watch live broadcasts of events at home.

On the first day of the new year 2021, health officialsThailandconfirmed 279 new Covid-19 cases and two deaths, bringing the total to 7,163 cases and the death toll to 63. The majority of the new cases, 273, were community infections, while the remaining six were imported cases.

Nhân viên y tế kiểm tra lao động nhập cư tại chợ thực phẩm ở thủ đô Bangkok, Thái Lan. (Nguồn: EPA-EFE)

Health workers check migrant workers at a food market in Bangkok, Thailand. Source: EPA-EFE

According to Dr. Taweesilp Visanuyothin, spokesperson for the Center for Situation ManagementCovid-19According to the Thai Government Office (CCSA), it is now crucial that people follow the regulations issued by provincial authorities, and the government is asking provincial governors to enforce stricter measures, including lockdowns in the worst-affected areas.

Instead of imposing a nationwide lockdown at the start of the outbreak in early 2020, the Thai government is implementing a Covid-19 zoning system, with provinces classified into different types of zones, depending on the number of new cases and the rate of spread. Provincial governors are responsible for declaring areas as maximum control zones, control zones, strict surveillance zones, and surveillance zones, and imposing separate quarantine regulations for those arriving in the area.

Since December 30, the Thai government has banned all gatherings that pose a risk of spreading Covid-19, except for family gatherings and government activities. The decision takes effect immediately in “control” and “maximum control” areas. Violators face up to two years in prison or a fine of up to 40,000 baht (about $1,300).