With Coronavirus cases in Thailand surging to a record high, the country’s authorities have started tightening restrictions on public gatherings. The capital city Bangkok and some other provinces are already under a partial lockdown and the Thai government is now mulling to increase restrictions on movement. The south-east Asian nation recorded 10,082 new cases of COVID-19 infections and 141 fatalities on Saturday.
Thailand’s official Royal Gazette, on Friday announced a complete ban on public gatherings across the nation. Those found violating the order can face a fine of upwards of 40,000 Thai baht(INR 91,404.19) or a prison sentence of up to two years or both.
The surge in cases has been recorded due to the spread of the more dangerous Delta variant of the virus, which now forms over 80% of Thailand’s overall caseload, according to the country’s health authorities. The surge prompted the government to impose restrictions in high-risk areas from Monday, leading to the closing down of malls and businesses and the imposition of curfew from 9 PM to 4 AM.
The country’s Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha has quarantined himself after coming in contact with a COVID-positive person on his visit to Phuket. According to a report by bangbokpost.com, PM Prayut has asked the country’s army and national police to help Bangkok city authorities to form 200 rapid deployment teams that would conduct door-to-door COVID-19 tests in the worst affected part’s of the capital city.
Despite the worsening situation, Thailand has allowed fully vaccinated tourists to visit Phuket island, a globally popular tourist destination, from July 1. The country has also allowed travelers to visit other islands- Samui, Phangan, and Tao after a one-week quarantine and a negative COVID-19 certificate.
