Thailand Bans Public Gatherings In COVID-19 Hit Areas

BANGKOK, Dec 31 (Bernama) -- Thailand has imposed a ban on all public gatherings that include new year celebrations and concerts in COVID-19 hit areas effective immediately in a bid to halt the spread of the deadly virus in the kingdom. Centre for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) spokesman Thaweesilp Wissanuyothin said public gatherings will be prohibited at highly-controlled areas where more than 50 confirmed cases were reported and controlled areas where there is more than 10 confirmed cases . He said the latest outbreak has spread to 48 of 77 provinces in the kingdom. “The surge of daily COVID-19 cases is worrying. We don’t want to see another lockdown,” he said at a press conference Wednesday. At present, targeted lockdowns have been imposed in some areas including the resort island of Pattaya and Hua Hin. Thaweesilp said provincial governors have been given the authority to ban any events and activities that pose a transmission risk. Meanwhile, authorities also urged the public to avoid travelling to contain the spread of COVID-19. Over last 24 hours, Thailand recorded 250 COVID-19 cases including 241 local transmissions, 29 of which had a history of going to entertainment outlets, nine linked to Samut Sakhon’s shrimp market cluster, three from Rayong’s cluster and two migrant workers. The source of infections for a total of 198 cases is still under investigation in which 108 cases were reported in Chonburi province and 53 in Rayong province. To date, Thailand has recorded 6,690 cases with 61 fatalities. -- BERNAMA