Thailand announces 'maximum control' against COVID-19 in 28 provinces, including Bangkok

Thailand on Saturday anunced restrictions in 28 of 76 provinces in country to block spread of COVID-19 disease amid a surge in new cases. health officials anunced that 28 provinces in Thailand, including capital Bangkok, will be put under maximum control from January 4 onwards. Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) said that restrictions in provinces will last until February 1 and a furr decision will be taken based on evidence available at time. 

Read: After Months Of Calm, Thailand Challenged By Virus Outbreak

CCSA also reported 216 new confirmed cases of COVID-19 on January 2, of which two infections have been detected among people who came into country in a repatriation flight recently. CCSA said that 32 cases were detected from active field tests among migrant workers, and 182 from local transmission. CCSA also reported 1 death on Saturday. This brings total COVID-19 cases in country to 7,379 and total deaths to 64 as of January 2. 

Read: Thailand Likely To Expand Lockdown As Cluster Of COVID-19 Cases Sparks Worries

Bangkok shuts down schools, entertainment centres

Bangkok authorities on January 1 had anunced closure of certain places, including educational institutions, schools, entertainment centres, bars, pubs, water parks, gaming centres, playgrounds, horse racing tracks, among ors. According to anuncement, following places must strictly follow measures to prevent and control COVID-19. restrictions will come into effect from January 2. violators of order will be subject to a jail term of up to 1 year or a fine of up to 100,000 baht, or both.

Read: Cambodia Steps Up Safety Measures At Borders As COVID-19 Cases Surge In Thailand

Thailand recently signed an agreement with AstraZeneca-Oxford to secure 26 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine, which will be produced locally in Souast Asian country. country is expected to get first batch of 2 million doses by February this year, informed Health Minister Anutin Charnvirakul, who has been assigned by Prime Minister to identify a manufacturer.  

Read: Asia Today: Sydney Outbreak Grows; Thailand Finds 548 Cases

(Im Credit: AP)