COVID-19: Situation Continues To Improve, Thailand Considers Second Phase Of Easing Restrictions

By Linda Khoo BANGKOK, May 7 (Bernama) – As the COVID-19 situation in Thailand continues to improve with single digits of new daily cases, the government plans to reopen more businesses and activities in its second phase of easing restrictions next week. Today, Thailand recorded three new cases and zero deaths, bringing the tally to 2,992 cases and 55 fatalities. A total of 2,772 patients have recovered and returned home. Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman Thaweesilp Wissanuyothin said the government will consider a second phase of relaxation including reopening bigger premises such as shopping malls and department stores. “If the situation continues with single digits of new daily cases, the government will further ease restrictions and reopen more businesses and venues on May 17,” he said at a daily COVID-19 briefing here today. He added that CCSA will get feedback and views from tomorrow to Tuesday and an announcement on the relaxation can be expected two days after that. On May 3, Thailand reopened six types of businesses and venues -- markets, eateries outside shopping malls, wholesale and retail businesses, parks and outdoor sports facilities, barber shops and hair salons (only limited to cut, shampoo and blow), and pet grooming and pet hotels. Meanwhile, Thaweesilp said Prime Minister General Prayuth Chan o-cha, who chaired a meeting on COVID-19, has urged all relevant agencies to continue imposing stringent measures to control the COVID-19 outbreak and prepare for the next phase of easing restrictions. The prime minister also raised concern over crowded public transport services such as skytrain and MRT subway and suggested new working hours for government agencies and that the number of people working from home be increased to at least 50 per cent, he said. Meanwhile, Bangkok Metropolitan Administration (BMA) announced that the Chatuchak Weekend Market will reopen this weekend. “BMA will evaluate the situation every week,” its deputy permanent secretary Wanlaya Watanarat said. -- BERNAMA